<p>Western wildfires send smoke across the country, so it sounds obvious that they always make air quality worse everywhere. New research shows that is not the whole story.</p>



<p>During severe fire seasons in the West, the intense heat from those <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/forest-thinning-cuts-wildfire-severity-and-saves-carbon/">fires</a> can change weather patterns and rainfall in ways that actually lower fine particle pollution in the eastern United States. That result surprised even seasoned atmospheric scientists.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildfire-heat-and-air-quality">Wildfire heat and air quality </h2>



<p>Qihan Ma of <a href="https://www.tsinghua.edu.cn/en/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tsinghua University</a> and colleagues analyzed observations and climate simulations that account for the daily heat released by fires. The researchers found that strong fire heat can reduce fine particle levels in the East during the fire season.</p>



<p>Scientists track fine particle pollution called PM2.5, which refers to particles smaller than 2.5 micrometers across. PM2.5 gets deep into the lungs and bloodstream, and its <a href="https://www.epa.gov/pm-pollution/health-and-environmental-effects-particulate-matter-pm" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">effects</a> include higher risks of heart and lung disease and premature death.</p>



<p>The results did not just point to smoke. The team showed how fire-driven <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/human-wildfire-exposure-rises-worldwide-despite-less-land-burning/">heat</a> boosts convection, the upward movement of warm air. This suppresses eastward smoke transport and increases rain that washes particles out of the air, a process called wet deposition. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-air-quality-in-the-east-and-west">Air quality in the East and West</h2>



<p>Observations from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/wildfire-seasons-are-now-overlapping-worldwide/">air</a> monitors revealed a dipole pattern during extreme western fire events, with PM2.5 rising in the West and falling in the East by a comparable amount. </p>



<p>Model simulations for the full fire season showed similar contrasts of about 1.71 micrograms per cubic meter in the West and minus 1.21 micrograms per cubic meter in the East.</p>



<p>Satellite analysts also mapped smoke plumes over long distances during these events. NOAA confirmed that smoke often spread across parts of the East, yet many eastern monitors still recorded lower PM2.5.</p>



<p>To represent fire inputs day by day, the researchers used the <a href="https://www.globalfiredata.org/data.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GFED4.1s</a> dataset, which estimates burned area, emissions, and heat release. The data helped quantify how much energy the fires pumped into the atmosphere.</p>



<p>The air quality and weather responses were simulated with the Community Earth System Model (<a href="https://www.cesm.ucar.edu/models" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">CESM</a>). To separate the drivers, the team ran simulations with smoke alone, heat alone, and with both.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-wildfires-shift-weather-across-the-country">Wildfires shift weather across the country</h2>



<p>Heat from large western fires increased convective available potential energy (CAPE) over the West, which favors stronger thunderstorms. It also nudged broader circulation patterns that reshaped wind and moisture across the country.</p>



<p>As the central United States dried and warmed near the surface, low level pressure dropped and winds shifted toward anomalous easterlies over the eastern half of the country.</p>



<p>The East grew more humid and unstable, and convective rain increased, which removed more particles from the air. These heat-driven shifts can modulate long range smoke impacts.</p>



<p>“Heat produced by wildfires, a commonly neglected effect, can reduce fine particle concentrations in the eastern United States,” wrote Ma.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-lessons-for-health-and-policy">Lessons for health and policy</h2>



<p>The results do not suggest that wildfires are harmless. The West still sees higher PM2.5 during fire season, and people there bear the brunt of smoke exposure and related health burdens.</p>



<p>The research shows that ignoring fire heat in national assessments can skew results. The authors report that leaving heat out of models overestimates health and economic losses by about 1,200 premature deaths and 3.3 billion dollars nationwide for the fire season. </p>



<p>Those numbers are driven by the East’s large population and the modeled reductions in PM2.5 when heat effects are included.</p>



<p>Public health guidance should still emphasize reducing exposure wherever smoke raises risk. Strategies include wearing masks during high pollution days and targeted help for sensitive groups like children, older adults, pregnant women, and those with heart or lung disease.</p>



<p>For modeling and policy, the message is straightforward. Future national air quality planning and wildfire risk assessments need to incorporate fire heat, not just smoke emissions, to capture regional differences accurately.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-limitations-and-open-questions">Limitations and open questions</h2>



<p>The researchers emphasize that no model is perfect. In global models with coarse grids, convection is parameterized, meaning certain local storm processes are simplified.</p>



<p>The team validated a subset of cases with a superparameterized model that more explicitly resolves clouds. The results showed the same overall pattern, though the heat effects were weaker in magnitude - providing a useful constraint for future research.</p>



<p>Better heat estimates at subdaily timescales will also help. Averaging heat over a day can smooth out fire bursts that may drive the strongest convective responses.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-daily-life">Implications for daily life</h2>



<p>People in the West should continue to prepare for smoke season and protect their lungs, because local pollution still rises during major fires. </p>



<p>Communities in the East should not assume they are safe, since many days still exceed health guidelines and smoke episodes remain disruptive.</p>



<p>The broader lesson is about getting the physics right. Accounting for heat shows how the same fires can worsen air in one region and temporarily ease it in another, and that nuance matters for equitable investments in health and resilience.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/science.ads1957" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science</em></a>.</p>



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Wildfires in the West can actually improve air quality in the East

Western wildfires send smoke across the country, so it sounds obvious that they always make air quality worse everywhere. New research shows that is not the whole story. During severe fire seasons in the West, the intense heat from those fires can change weather patterns and rainfall in ways that actually lower fine particle pollution in the eastern United States. That result surprised even seasoned atmospheric scientists. Wildfire heat and air quality Qihan Ma of Tsinghua University and colleagues analyzed observations and climate simulations that account for...

<p>In a recent study, researchers at the <a href="https://en.ifremer.fr/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">French Institute for Oceanic Science</a> (Ifremer) and <a href="https://www.unil.ch/central/en/home.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Lausanne University</a> reassessed the impact of changing environmental conditions on species extinctions. The experts developed a new model to estimate the number of terrestrial and marine species that are threatened with extinction as a result of climate change.</p>



<p>While traditional models predicted a 54% decline in tropical terrestrial species by 2041-2060, the new model forecasts a more moderate 39% decline. Despite this lower estimate, the results remain concerning, emphasizing the urgent need for climate action to protect biodiversity.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-species-pre-adapted-to-past-warmer-climates">Species pre-adapted to past warmer climates </h2>



<p>Temperature variations on Earth range from -70°C in Antarctica to +48°C at the equator. Historically, climatic conditions have shifted, and species may have pre-adapted to past warmer climates similar to those expected by the end of the century. </p>



<p>Previous models did not account for this potential pre-adaptation, leading to possibly inaccurate predictions.</p>



<p>“Take the example of a tropical marine or terrestrial species: traditional statistical models predict that it will disappear in places where the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/earths-global-temperature-exceeded-2c-for-the-first-time/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature</a> exceeds the current warm limit of 48°C. But this view could be too restrictive, as our knowledge is limited by the study of current climatic conditions,” said lead author Mathieu Chevalier, a marine ecology researcher at Ifremer.</p>



<p>“When a species is 'marked' by climatic conditions, it retains a pre-adaptation to these conditions that can last for thousands or even millions of years,” added senior author Antoine Guisan, a professor of spatial ecology at the University of Lausanne.</p>



<p>“If its habitat evolves towards a climate that the species has already experienced in the past, this pre-adaptation will provide it with a tolerance to these new climatic conditions.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-species-approaching-climatic-limits">Species approaching climatic limits</h2>



<p>The researchers applied their model to nearly 25,000 terrestrial and marine species worldwide. They discovered that 49% of these species live in climate niches near the current climatic limits, and 86% could potentially extend beyond these limits, with this figure rising to 92% for marine species.</p>



<p>“The most striking result concerns tropical areas, for terrestrial and marine species,” said Chevalier. “It is widely accepted that climate change will lead to a massive loss of biodiversity in these areas, up to 54% of tropical terrestrial species by 2041-2060 according to traditional models. Our model puts this prognosis into perspective and predicts a reduction of 'only' 39% in species diversity.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-factors-influencing-species-extinction-risk-nbsp">Factors influencing species extinction risk&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Despite the seemingly less dire prediction, scientists caution that this remains an alarming estimate. They emphasize that climate is not the sole factor influencing species extinction risk. Other anthropogenic pressures, such as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/top-marine-predators-may-suffer-massive-habitat-loss-by-2100/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">habitat loss</a>, pollution, and biological invasions, must also be considered.</p>



<p>“Our study shows that it is important to constantly refine our models, and develop new hypotheses about the possible response of certain species,” said co-author Olivier Broennimann, a researcher in spatial ecology at the University of Lausanne.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“If it is likely that tropical species could better tolerate climate change than previously thought, the old estimates remain valid for species in cold, alpine, and polar regions, and to a large extent for species in temperate zones, because the climate that currently prevails in these areas will no longer exist by 2041.”</p>



<p>These findings highlight the need for continuous model refinement and the development of new hypotheses to better predict and mitigate the impacts of climate change on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/what-are-the-biggest-drivers-of-biodiversity-loss/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">biodiversity</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-species-extinction-risks">More about species extinction risks</h2>



<p>Species extinction risks are shaped by various factors, including habitat destruction, climate change, pollution, invasive species, and overexploitation.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-habitat-destruction-nbsp">Habitat destruction&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Habitat destruction, often due to agricultural expansion, urban development, and logging, disrupts ecosystems, making it difficult for many species to survive.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-pollution">Climate change and pollution</h3>



<p>Climate change further exacerbates these challenges by altering temperature and weather patterns, which can shift habitats and affect species' survival rates.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Pollution from chemicals, plastics, and other waste degrades natural environments, harming or killing wildlife that depend on these habitats.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invasive-species-and-overexploitation-nbsp">Invasive species and overexploitation&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Invasive species introduced to new environments can outcompete native species for resources, leading to declines in native populations.&nbsp;</p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/overfishing-and-habitat-degradation-have-devastated-marine-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Overexploitation</a> through hunting, fishing, and trading also poses a significant threat to species, particularly those targeted for their meat, hides, or other products.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cumulative-impacts">Cumulative impacts</h3>



<p>The cumulative impact of these factors has led to a significant rise in the rate of species extinction, posing severe consequences for biodiversity and ecosystem services that support human life.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Efforts to mitigate these risks include conservation programs, protected areas, sustainable practices, and international treaties aimed at preserving vulnerable species and their habitats.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41559-024-02426-4" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Ecology &amp; Evolution</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Some species are pre-adapted to tolerate climate change

In a recent study, researchers at the French Institute for...

<p>Humans are accelerating the rate at which organic matter decomposes in rivers and streams on a global scale. These human impacts on waterways pose a threat to biodiversity and increase atmospheric carbon, potentially exacerbating climate change.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research was led by the <a href="https://www.uga.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Georgia</a> (UGA), <a href="https://oakland.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Oakland University</a>, and <a href="https://www.kent.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kent State University</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-humans-fundamentally-change-waterways">Humans fundamentally change waterways</h2>



<p>The study is the first to combine a global experiment with predictive modeling to illustrate human impacts on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/quality-waterways-changes-season/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">waterways</a> contributing to the global climate crisis.</p>



<p>“Everyone in the world needs water. When human activities change the fundamental ways rivers work, it’s concerning,” said study co-author Krista Capps, an associate professor in UGA’s Odum School of Ecology and Savannah River Ecology Laboratory.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Increases in decomposition rates may be problematic for the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/including-animals-carbon-cycle-models-boosts-ecosystem-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global carbon cycle</a> and for animals, like insects and fish, that live in streams because the food resources they need to survive will disappear more quickly, lost to the atmosphere as carbon dioxide.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disruptions-in-the-global-carbon-cycle">Disruptions in the global carbon cycle</h2>



<p>Rivers and streams play a key role in the global carbon cycle by storing and decomposing large amounts of leaves, branches, and other plant matter.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Normally, the process would involve leaves falling into rivers, where bacteria and fungi colonize the leaves. Insects then eat the bacteria and fungi, using the carbon stored in the leaves to grow, and fish subsequently eat the insects. This process ensures carbon is passed through the food chain.</p>



<p>However, the study found that this process is being disrupted in human-impacted areas, such as those affected by <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/urbanization-is-a-threat-to-78-of-the-worlds-bird-species/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">urbanization</a> and agriculture, where leaf litter decomposes more quickly.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Faster decomposition means insects cannot absorb the carbon from the leaves, leading to more carbon being released into the atmosphere, contributing to greenhouse gas pollution and disrupting the food chain.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-emissions-from-aquatic-ecosystems-nbsp">Emissions from aquatic ecosystems&nbsp;</h2>



<p>“When we think of greenhouse gas emissions, we tend to think of tailpipes and factories,” said co-author Scott Tiegs, a professor of biological sciences at Oakland. “But a lot of carbon dioxide and methane comes from aquatic ecosystems.”&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This process is natural. But when humans add <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/water-quality-threatened-by-nutrient-pollution-in-40-u-s-states/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">nutrient pollution</a> like fertilizer to fresh waters and elevate water temperatures, we increase the decomposition rates and direct more CO2 into the atmosphere.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-decomposition-rates-in-rivers-and-streams-nbsp">Decomposition rates in rivers and streams&nbsp;</h2>



<p>To investigate, the researchers collected field data from 550 rivers across the globe, collaborating with over 150 researchers in 40 countries. They generated one of the first estimates of decomposition rates in rivers and streams worldwide, including understudied areas like the tropics.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The data was compiled into a free online mapping tool that shows how fast different types of leaves decompose in local waterways.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-factors-linked-to-increased-decomposition-rates-nbsp">Factors linked to increased decomposition rates&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Using predictive modeling, the scientists identified environmental factors responsible for increased decomposition rates, such as higher temperatures and increased nutrient concentrations.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Both of these factors are impacted by human activities,” said co-author David Costello, an associate professor of ecosystem biology at Kent State. “Reducing human impacts on decomposition will keep more carbon in rivers, preventing it from entering the atmosphere as carbon dioxide and contributing to climate change.”</p>



<p>These findings underscore the importance of taking urgent measures to mitigate human impact on waterways to protect biodiversity and help combat climate change.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-human-activities-impact-waterways">How human activities impact waterways</h2>



<p>Human activities have profound and diverse impacts on waterways, affecting everything from water quality to the health of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ripple-effects-wildfires-reshape-aquatic-ecosystems/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">aquatic ecosystems</a>.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pollutants-nbsp">Pollutants&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Industrial waste, agricultural chemicals, plastics, and untreated sewage are some common pollutants that degrade water quality and harm aquatic life.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-overfishing-nbsp">Overfishing&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Overfishing is another significant issue, leading to the depletion of fish populations and altering aquatic ecosystems, which impacts species diversity and ecosystem stability.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unnatural-barriers-nbsp">Unnatural barriers&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The construction of dams and other barriers is also a major factor, as it blocks the natural flow of rivers, affecting the migration and spawning of fish and other aquatic organisms, while altering sediment and nutrient flows.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deforestation-nbsp">Deforestation&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Deforestation, especially along riverbanks, leads to increased erosion and sedimentation, which can smother habitats and reduce water quality.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urban-development-nbsp">Urban development&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Urban development contributes as well, as it increases runoff from impermeable surfaces like roads and buildings, carrying <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/iconic-american-rivers-are-threatened-by-pollution/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pollutants</a> into waterways and often involving the alteration or paving over of natural water bodies.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-nbsp">Climate change&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Climate change further exacerbates these impacts with rising temperatures and changing precipitation patterns affecting water availability and leading to more frequent extreme weather events.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invasive-species">Invasive species</h3>



<p>Additionally, the introduction of invasive species can disrupt local ecosystems, outcompete native species, and lead to a reduction in biodiversity.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These impacts underscore the need for comprehensive management and policy interventions to protect and sustain waterways for future generations.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1126/science.adn1262" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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Humanity's harm to waterways contributes to the climate crisis

Humans are accelerating the rate at which organic matter decomposes...

<p>The <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sharks-important-deserve-protections/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sharks</a> we recognize today as apex predators of the open ocean evolved from stout, bottom-dwelling ancestors. The transformation of sharks has been linked to a period of intense global warming 93 million years ago - a significant volcanic event that drastically increased carbon dioxide levels and ocean temperatures.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-changes-in-fin-shape-helped-sharks-adapt">Changes in fin shape helped sharks adapt</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.ucr.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">UC Riverside</a> researchers, through extensive measurements of both living and fossilized sharks, discovered that in response to this climate shift, some sharks developed elongated pectoral fins. This adaptation facilitated their transition from benthic zones to open waters, improving their swimming efficiency and speed.</p>



<p>“The pectoral fins are a critical structure, comparable to our arms,” said lead author Phillip Sternes, a UCR biology doctoral student. “What we saw upon review of a massive data set, was that these fins changed shape as sharks expanded their habitat from the bottom to the open ocean.”</p>



<p>Longer pectoral fins made shark movements more efficient. “Their fins are comparable to the wings of commercial airplanes, long and narrow, to minimize the amount of energy needed for movement,” Sternes added.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-greater-swimming-speeds-nbsp">Greater swimming speeds&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The experts also found that open-water <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shocking-shark-mortality-rates-are-on-the-rise-worldwide/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sharks</a> developed greater speed compared to their bottom-dwelling counterparts. </p>



<p>“Shark muscle is very sensitive to temperature,” explained co-author Tim Higham, a professor of biology at the same university. “The data helped us make a correlation between higher temperatures, tail movement, and swimming speeds.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-into-open-waters">Shifting into open waters</h2>



<p>Currently, most sharks are bottom dwellers, residing in the benthic zone. These sharks are typically slimmer, flatter, and medium-sized predators. Only about 13% of modern sharks are agile, open-water <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-eddies-help-marine-predators-find-food/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">predators</a>. </p>



<p>The researchers speculate that declining oxygen levels at the sea bottom during the Cretaceous period may have driven ancient sharks to evolve and inhabit the open waters.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temperature-rise-and-shark-evolution-nbsp">Temperature rise and shark evolution&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The average sea surface temperature today is around 68 degrees Fahrenheit, but during the Cretaceous period, it was much higher, averaging about 83 degrees. This temperature rise and the subsequent evolutionary changes in sharks occurred over a span of one to two million years.</p>



<p>“We had pretty warm open-sea surface temperatures throughout the era, and then a distinct spike that took place over a one- or two-million-year period,” said co-author Lars Schmitz, an associate professor of biology at <a href="https://www.cmc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Claremont McKenna College</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-how-sharks-will-adapt">Predicting how sharks will adapt</h2>



<p>While historical <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/scientists-global-warming-is-to-blame-for-increase-in-shark-attacks/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">global warming</a> drove evolutionary changes in some species, it led to the extinction of others. The current rapid pace of global warming makes it difficult to predict how sharks and other marine life will adapt. </p>



<p>Some sharks, like tropical tiger and bull sharks, are beginning to migrate farther north, but it remains uncertain whether threatened species will adapt quickly enough to survive.</p>



<p>“The temperature is going up so fast now, there is nothing in the geologic record I am aware of that we can use for a true comparison,” Sternes concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-modern-sharks-adapt-to-temperature-rise">How modern sharks adapt to temperature rise</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shark-populations-are-rebounding-in-the-northwest-atlantic/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sharks</a> are adapting to rising ocean temperatures in various ways due to their ectothermic nature, which makes them reliant on environmental temperatures for body heat regulation. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shifting-habitats">Shifting habitats</h3>



<p>Many species are migrating poleward or to deeper, cooler waters, seeking more suitable climates. This shift in habitat can disrupt local ecosystems, given sharks' roles as apex predators or significant ecological players.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-reproduction-nbsp">Reproduction&nbsp;</h3>



<p>The reproductive and growth cycles of sharks are also being affected, with some species experiencing accelerated growth but reduced fertility and offspring survival under warmer conditions.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-shark-behavior-nbsp">Shark behavior&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Behaviorally, sharks might adjust their activity patterns, including hunting at different times, possibly becoming more nocturnal to escape the heat of the day.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-immune-stress">Immune stress</h3>



<p>Physiological stress is another significant impact, as continuous exposure to higher temperatures can weaken sharks' immune systems, increasing susceptibility to diseases.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-food-availability-nbsp">Food availability&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Additionally, changes in the distribution and abundance of prey due to temperature shifts can lead to food shortages, forcing sharks to adapt their diets and potentially impacting their overall survival.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.cub.2024.05.016" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Current Biology</em></a><em>.</em></p>



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How sharks survived a drastic spike in global temperatures

The sharks we recognize today as apex predators of the...

<p>For the first time, scientists have observed wild <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/koalas-are-infected-with-a-virus-that-causes-cancer/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">koalas</a> regulating their body temperatures ahead of hot summer days by lowering their temperatures during cooler mornings. </p>



<p>The research, led by Valentina Mella from the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/university.html?adobe_mc_sdid=SDID%3D07E009F07D222548-6E99CDF095A1CC83%7CMCORGID%3D35B46472540D9EE20A4C98A6%40AdobeOrg%7CTS%3D1716971947&amp;adobe_mc_ref=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sydney</a>, revealed that koalas can predict <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/study-reveals-countries-most-at-risk-from-extreme-heat/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">extreme heat</a> and adjust their body temperatures accordingly. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-koalas-prepare-for-a-warming-climate">Koalas prepare for a warming climate </h2>



<p>Over a two-week study in 2019, koalas displayed the highest and lowest body temperatures ever recorded for the species. This self-regulation helps koalas save water by reducing the need for evaporative cooling.</p>



<p>“This self-regulation requires individual koalas to predict days of extreme temperature from overnight and early morning conditions, adjusting their body heat regulation accordingly,” Mella said.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The research showed that koalas’ core temperatures fluctuate with environmental conditions, which is an adaptive tactic to reduce water usage by 18 percent. This behavior might be more crucial for surviving hot days than previously known tactics like tree-hugging.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-koalas-self-regulate-their-body-temperature-nbsp">Koalas self-regulate their body temperature&nbsp;</h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/koalas-are-now-officially-listed-as-endangered/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Koalas</a> generally maintain a core body temperature of 36.3 degrees Celsius, but on hot days, they start with a lower body temperature, allowing it to rise with the air temperature. This approach is less reliant on water for cooling down. </p>



<p>However, as climate change causes temperatures to increase, this strategy could become risky since temperatures above 40 degrees Celsius can be fatal for leaf-eating mammals like koalas.</p>



<p>Koalas use various methods to manage their body temperature, including their insulative fur, concentrated urine production to conserve water, and a low metabolism to reduce heat production. They also pant, lick their fur for evaporative cooling, seek cooler microhabitats, and adopt tree-hugging postures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Previous work by the research team also recorded koalas drinking freely available water on hot days, a behavior that was previously unknown.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-temperature-regulation-as-a-survival-technique-nbsp">Temperature regulation as a survival technique&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The study was conducted near Gunnedah in New South Wales, an area with an older population of koalas suffering from chlamydial disease. Remarkably, all of the koalas were still alive six months later, indicating that this <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/dinosaurs-self-regulated-their-body-temperature/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperature modulation</a> is a survival technique. </p>



<p>“Global climate models forecast that dry, hot weather will escalate and drought events will increase in frequency, duration and severity. This is likely to push koalas and other tree-dwelling leaf-eating mammals towards their thermal limit," said Mella.</p>



<p>"Our results reinforce the importance of climate mitigations for ensuring future survival of koalas."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-the-survival-techniques-of-koalas">More about the survival techniques of koalas</h2>



<p>Koalas have developed several survival techniques to navigate the challenges of their environment.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-specialized-diet-nbsp">Specialized diet&nbsp;</h3>



<p>One of the most notable is their specialized diet, which consists almost exclusively of eucalyptus leaves.&nbsp;</p>



<p>These leaves are tough, fibrous, and low in nutrition, but koalas have a highly specialized digestive system with a long gut to extract the maximum amount of nutrients. Their slow metabolic rate helps conserve energy, allowing them to survive on this limited diet.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-behavioral-strategies-nbsp">Behavioral strategies&nbsp;</h3>



<p>In terms of behavior, koalas spend most of their time in trees, which provides safety from ground-based predators.&nbsp;</p>



<p>They are mostly nocturnal or crepuscular, being active during the cooler parts of the day and night, which helps them avoid the midday heat and conserve water.&nbsp;</p>



<p>During extreme heat, koalas can often be found hugging the cooler, lower parts of trees or spreading out their limbs to release body heat.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-vocalizations">Vocalizations</h3>



<p>Additionally, koalas communicate with each other using a range of vocalizations. This helps them establish and maintain territories, find mates, and warn off rivals without needing to expend energy on physical confrontations.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-climate-change-on-koalas">Impact of climate change on koalas</h2>



<p>Koalas are significantly impacted by climate change, which exacerbates the challenges they face from habitat destruction and <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-retroviruses-have-been-found-in-koalas/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">disease</a>. </p>



<p>Rising temperatures and altered weather patterns can lead to more frequent and intense heatwaves, exacerbating dehydration and heat stress in koalas. </p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diminishing-food-sources-nbsp">Diminishing food sources&nbsp;</h3>



<p>Additionally, climate change affects the quality of their primary food source, eucalyptus leaves. These trees are sensitive to changes in climate. </p>



<p>Altered rainfall patterns and increased carbon dioxide levels can reduce the nutritional content of the leaves and make them more toxic, which can diminish koala food sources and affect their health.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-habitat-loss">Habitat loss</h3>



<p>Climate change contributes to more severe and frequent <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shrinking-koala-habitats-face-an-escalating-threat-of-bushfires/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">bushfires</a>, which can devastate koala habitats, causing loss of food sources and direct harm to the koala population. These fires not only destroy the trees koalas depend on but can also result in significant mortality for the species. </p>



<p>The overall impact of climate change threatens the survival and conservation of koalas, making it crucial to address these environmental changes to help preserve this iconic Australian species.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://link.mediaoutreach.meltwater.com/ls/click?upn=u001.i5MFNkUDbt13uNVa2NzRWZZwo1BvROnaSYADjIVKqm9GJAEoy4nBM6pfx9ynj1XWbx9nWXOW6zE5N7eP1qoE2xl9b03kgLSK0KgXMTzflRg-3DoMRO_wmc-2BViHeaSAOdjPZKiSJ-2FVqxQzmhDprMt9JOFfIOyikWRxiXkS7v6FurodPnd8UAaygk4XSabT28D43knAvrohsnFDUc13yjWIamY-2FNMf7fthRqhfyM2On0gXW-2F6Rsy2wZfyFTerHDaDyNnVwHkO5KRufu9YM-2Fx2vJf5158JiPjsIfVM7UqURX3W3kybmS8DOww6U-2BdK069exE2liW-2FU2sGE-2BfC-2FZBcAWMdmGmZdC7DEIFGLaoNZXl-2FXg1kBbz18FA5o79NVhQq4KlnSnJFpvlJZuxhrT1wO-2BmcnRqEZUC38Vlz1tgN1ImugkeAZM6UJRYAfrnDGwo5-2BwilNNKNQpgTH4yHLS7-2BIaLRNFBO55n8pGwzDHWReSy8yOBeUHib6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Conservation Physiology</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<p>-----</p>



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Koalas can predict hot days and adjust their body temperature

For the first time, scientists have observed wild koalas regulating...

<p>We all know that the world is getting warmer, but a new report has laid bare the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/most-people-fear-climate-change-will-end-the-world-during-their-lifetime/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">alarming extent</a> to which our planet is heating up. According to a recent study, climate change has gifted us an average of 26 additional days of extreme heat over the past year. </p>



<p>That's almost an entire extra month of sweltering temperatures that we wouldn't have experienced without human-caused global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/people-want-to-fight-climate-change-more-than-you-think/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">warming</a>.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-climate-change-and-extreme-heat">Climate change and extreme heat</h2>



<p>Before we delve deeper into this scorching revelation, let's clarify what we mean by "extreme heat." For this study, scientists defined it as <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lakes-are-struggling-to-maintain-oxygen-as-temperatures-rise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">temperatures</a> that fall within the top 10 percent of what a particular country typically experiences. </p>



<p>The experts analyzed data from 1991 to 2020 to establish this baseline, then compared it to the temperatures recorded in the 12 months leading up to May 15, 2024.</p>



<p>The results were, to put it mildly, sizzling. Not only did the world experience a significant increase in extreme heat days, but this trend was observed across the globe, affecting a staggering 80 percent of the population. That's approximately 6.3 billion people who endured at least 31 days of extreme heat in the past year.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-heatwaves-across-continents">Heatwaves across continents</h2>



<p>The report, published by the <a href="https://www.climatecentre.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Red Cross Red Crescent Climate Centre</a>, the <a href="https://www.worldweatherattribution.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">World Weather Attribution</a> scientific network, and <a href="https://www.climatecentral.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Climate Central</a>, highlights that extreme heat waves have become a truly global phenomenon. In the last 12 months, 76 extreme heat waves were registered in 90 different countries, spanning every continent except Antarctica.</p>



<p>While no region was spared from this scorching onslaught, some countries were hit particularly hard. Five of the most affected nations were in Latin America:</p>



<ul>
<li>Suriname endured a staggering 182 extreme heat days,&nbsp;instead of the estimated 24 it would have experienced without climate change.</li>



<li>Ecuador faced 180 days of extreme heat,&nbsp;compared to just 10 in a world without global warming.</li>



<li>Guyana sweltered through 174 days,&nbsp;far surpassing the 33 days it would have seen without climate change.</li>



<li>El Salvador and Panama also experienced a significant increase in extreme heat days,&nbsp;with 163 and 149 days respectively,&nbsp;instead of the estimated 15 and 12 days they would have faced.</li>
</ul>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-deadly-impacts-of-extreme-heat">Deadly impacts of extreme heat </h2>



<p>"Flooding and hurricanes may capture the headlines, but the impacts of extreme heat are equally deadly," said Jagan Chapagain, Secretary General of the <a href="https://www.ifrc.org" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">International Federation of the Red Cross</a>.</p>



<p>Extreme heat is a silent killer claiming tens of thousands of lives each year. The actual death toll is likely much higher, potentially reaching hundreds of thousands or even millions. Unlike sudden-onset disasters, extreme heat's impact is insidious and often under-reported.</p>



<p>This deadly phenomenon can exacerbate existing health conditions, cause heatstroke, dehydration, and lead to severe health complications, especially among vulnerable populations such as the elderly and those with preexisting conditions. Despite its devastating effects, extreme heat doesn't receive the same attention as more immediate and visually dramatic weather events.</p>



<p>As global temperatures rise due to climate change, the frequency and intensity of these deadly heatwaves are increasing. It's crucial to recognize the severity of extreme heat and implement measures to mitigate its impacts, such as creating more green spaces, improving urban planning, and investing in cooling infrastructure to protect public health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-call-to-address-climate-change">A call to address climate change</h2>



<p>The report's findings underscore the urgent need to address climate change and mitigate its devastating <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/38-trillion-dollars-per-year-economic-losses-expected-from-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">effects</a>. Extreme heat is not merely an inconvenience; it's a deadly threat to human life and well-being. As global temperatures continue to rise, we can expect even more frequent and intense heatwaves in the future.</p>



<p>To combat this escalating crisis, we must take decisive action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and transition to a clean energy economy. We must invest in climate-resilient infrastructure and develop early warning systems to protect vulnerable populations. </p>



<p>The science is clear: climate change is making our world a hotter place, and the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/can-we-outrun-the-flood-risks-of-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">consequences</a> of extreme heat are dire.</p>



<p>As a global community, we need to ensure that everyone has access to the resources and support they need to cope with the increasingly extreme weather conditions that climate change is bringing our way.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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Billions of people endured an extra month of extreme heat in the past year

We all know that the world is getting warmer, but...

<p>As our planet warms, many species are relocating to new areas, but <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/trees-struggling-to-breathe-store-co2-hotter-climate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">trees</a> are lagging behind other plants and animals. A recent study published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2308811121" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences</em></a> (PNAS) suggests that the reason for this delay in tree migration might be found underground - in soil fungi.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The researchers found that trees, especially those in northern regions, may be moving to soils that lack the mycorrhizal fungi necessary to support them.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-trees-and-soil-fungi-in-a-warming-world-nbsp">Trees and soil fungi in a warming world<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>Most plants, including large coniferous trees in northern latitudes, rely on symbiotic relationships with <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plants-distribute-enormous-amounts-of-co2-to-mycorrhizal-fungi/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">mycorrhizal fungi</a>.&nbsp;These microscopic fungi form networks in the soil, connecting with plant roots to supply essential nutrients in exchange for carbon.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The study showed that 35% of tree-fungi partnerships could be negatively impacted by climate change, according to lead author Michael Van Nuland, a fungal ecologist at the <a href="https://www.spun.earth/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Society for the Protection of Underground Networks</a> (SPUN).</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-diverse-soil-fungi-help-trees-survive">Diverse soil fungi help trees survive</h2>



<p>The trees most at risk in North America belong to the pine family. The study highlighted that trees on the edges of their ranges, where conditions are harshest, have higher survival rates when they have more diverse mycorrhizal fungi. This diversity is critical for helping trees withstand <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/fungi-in-boreal-forests-are-sensitive-to-climate-change/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">climate change</a>.</p>



<p>“Ectomycorrhizal fungi have a different relationship to climate than ectomycorrhizal trees do,” explained co-author Clara Qin, a data scientist at SPUN.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“While we expect climate-driven migrations to be limited by abiotic factors like the availability of space at higher latitudes and elevations, we don't usually account for biotic limitations like the availability of symbiotic partners.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-assisted-migration-strategies-nbsp">Assisted migration strategies<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>“It’s absolutely vital that we continue to work to understand how climate change is affecting mycorrhizal symbioses,” Van Nuland added. “These relationships underpin all life on Earth - it’s critical that we understand and protect them.”</p>



<p>“While more empirical work on this topic is certainly warranted, it may help explain previous observations of migration failure amongst a wide range of North American tree species. Consequently, our findings suggest that mycorrhizal fungi will need to be carefully considered as part of any assisted migration strategies for North American tree species,” the authors concluded.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pine-trees-of-north-america">Pine trees of North America</h2>



<p>The pine family, scientifically known as Pinaceae, is a prominent group of coniferous trees that are widespread across North America. This family includes not only pines but also firs, spruces, cedars, and larches, among others.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pine-tree-characteristics">Pine tree characteristics</h3>



<p>These trees are characterized by their needle-like leaves, which are typically evergreen, and their cone-bearing reproductive structures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Pines, in particular, are known for their long, slender needles grouped in clusters called fascicles, which can contain anywhere from one to five needles depending on the species.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-pine-species-diversity-nbsp">Pine species diversity<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h3>



<p>In North America, the diversity of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/some-of-californias-pine-forests-may-never-return/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">pine species</a> is significant, adapting to a wide range of climates and soils. They are found from the cold boreal forests of Canada, where species like the white pine and red pine thrive, to the warm southern regions where species like the ponderosa and lodgepole pine are common.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ecological-and-economic-significance-nbsp">Ecological and economic significance<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h3>



<p>The adaptability of these trees makes them ecologically important as they provide habitat and food for wildlife, help in soil stabilization, and contribute to the forest's fire dynamics due to their flammable resin.</p>



<p>Economically, the pine family is equally significant. Many species are harvested for timber and paper production, and pine trees are also popular as Christmas trees due to their appealing fragrance and shape.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The resilience and utility of the pine family make it a vital component of North American forests, both in natural settings and in managed landscapes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-role-of-soil-fungi-in-tree-health">Role of soil fungi in tree health</h2>



<p>Soil fungi play a crucial role in the health and growth of trees primarily through their symbiotic relationships with tree roots. These fungi, particularly mycorrhizal fungi, extend their networks into the soil, greatly expanding the surface area of tree roots.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-water-and-essential-nutrients">Water and essential nutrients</h3>



<p>This increased surface area allows trees to absorb water and essential nutrients, like phosphorus and nitrogen, more efficiently than roots could on their own.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In return, the fungi receive carbohydrates produced by the trees through photosynthesis, which are vital for their growth and reproduction.</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-fungi-and-soil-structure-nbsp">Fungi and soil structure<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h3>



<p>Moreover, soil fungi improve the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/amazon-dark-earth-could-revolutionize-forest-restoration/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">soil structure</a>, which enhances water retention and aeration, providing a better growing environment for trees.&nbsp;</p>



<h3 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-soil-composition-nbsp">Soil composition<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h3>



<p>Fungi also play a key role in decomposing organic matter in the soil, which recycles nutrients that are essential for the ecosystem's sustainability. </p>



<p>This interaction not only boosts tree health but also enhances their resistance to various stresses, including drought and diseases, helping maintain the overall resilience and stability of forest ecosystems.&nbsp;</p>



<p>By fostering a complex web of interactions within the soil, fungi contribute significantly to the ecological success and longevity of trees.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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Trees are moving to soils that lack the fungi to support them

As our planet warms, many species are relocating to new...

<p>No two <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/new-research-enhances-predictions-on-volcanic-eruptions/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">volcanic eruptions</a> are exactly alike, but scientists now believe that a series of explosive eruptions at Kīlauea volcano fits into a whole new category. </p>



<p>By analyzing the dynamics of 12 back-to-back explosions that happened in 2018, researchers from the <a href="https://www.uoregon.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Oregon</a> (UO), <a href="https://www.usgs.gov/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">United States Geological Survey</a>, and China’s <a href="https://en.scu.edu.cn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Sichuan University</a> have described a new type of volcanic eruption mechanism. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-explosions-at-the-summit-of-kilauea-nbsp">Explosions at the summit of Kīlauea&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The explosions were driven by sudden pressure increases as the ground collapsed, which blasted plumes of rock fragments and hot gas into the air, much like a classic stomp-rocket toy.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The particular string of explosions at the summit of Kīlauea was part of a sequence of events that included lava flows erupting from lower on the flank of the volcano. Those lava flows destroyed thousands of homes and displaced residents on the Island of Hawai’i for months.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hindcasting-volcanic-eruptions">Hindcasting volcanic eruptions</h2>



<p>Understanding exactly what happened in past volcanic eruptions, colloquially called “hindcasting,” allows volcanologists to make better forecasts about future eruptions and give more accurate warnings to people in an eruption’s path.</p>



<p>For the most part, explosive volcanic eruptions are either primarily driven by rising magma, vaporized groundwater, or some combination of the two, according to Josh Crozier, who did this research as a doctoral student at the UO. But these eruptions didn’t quite fit the mold.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“These eruptions are quite interesting in that they don’t really seem to involve either of those,” Crozier said. “The eruptive material contained very little that looked like fresh magma that was blasted out, but there’s no evidence for significant <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/groundwater-depletion-is-accelerating-but-it-is-not-inevitable/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">groundwater</a> being involved, either.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-unusual-pattern-of-kilauea-eruptions">Unusual pattern of Kīlauea eruptions</h2>



<p>The Hawaiian Volcano Observatory, part of the U.S. Geological Survey, keeps close tabs on Kīlauea. The volcano is covered with scientific instruments, from ground sensors that measure the shaking of the earth to tools that analyze the gasses released from the volcano.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“A cool thing about these eruptions is that there were a bunch of them in sequence that were remarkably similar; that’s relatively unusual,” said Leif Karlstrom, a volcanologist at the UO. “Typically, volcanic eruptions don’t happen with as much regularity.” So the team had more data than usual to work with, and they could dig deeper into the specific dynamics of the eruptions.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-what-happened-on-kilauea">What happened on Kīlauea?</h2>



<p>Putting all that data into a variety of atmospheric and subsurface models, the scientists pieced together a new story about what happened on Kīlauea during the string of events in 2018.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Before each explosion at the summit, magma was slowly draining from an underground reservoir. (This magma was feeding <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/lava-hawaii-lake-evaporate/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">lava flows</a> 40 kilometers away, on the eastern flank of the volcano.) As the reservoir depleted, the ground above it - the crater within the caldera at the volcano’s summit - suddenly collapsed.</p>



<p>That quickly increased the pressure in the reservoir. And because there was a pocket of accumulated magmatic gas sitting at the top of this reservoir, the pressure increase squeezed the magmatic gas and bits of rubble through a conduit and blasted them out of a vent in Kīlauea’s crater.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-stomp-rocket-mechanism-nbsp">Stomp-rocket mechanism&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The researchers compared the Kīlauea eruption dynamic to a stomp-rocket toy, where stepping on an airbag connected to a hose launches a projectile into the air. </p>



<p>“The ‘stomp’ is this whole kilometer-thick chunk of rock dropping down, pressurizing the pocket, and then forcing material directly up,” Crozier said. And the ‘rocket’ is the gas and rocks that are erupting from the volcano.</p>



<p>According to Crozier, caldera collapse is fairly common. So while this is the first time scientists have specifically spelled out this specific stomp-rocket mechanism, it’s probably not the only time it’s occurred. The study was able to link geophysical observations to the properties of the volcanic plume in the atmosphere.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“This link is very rare,” said Joe Dufek, a volcanologist at the UO. “It points to new ways for us to observe eruptions and to combine sensor measurements with computer simulations to better assess hazards from eruptions.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-broader-implications-of-the-kilauea-eruptions-nbsp">Broader implications of the Kīlauea eruptions&nbsp;</h2>



<p>The fact that this was a series of smaller eruptions may have made it easier to see the underlying mechanism, Dufek said. Other complex processes weren’t overshadowing the stomp-rocket component. But that’s not to say that <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/extreme-rainfall-triggered-the-2018-kilauea-eruption/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kīlauea</a> is simple. </p>



<p>A typical textbook drawing of a volcano shows <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/yellowstones-supervolcano-holds-a-surprising-amount-of-magma/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">magma</a> moving upwards through chambers at different depths. But it’s rarely that straightforward, and a volcano like Kīlauea, decked out in scientific instruments, provides an opportunity to dig into the details.</p>



<p>“This is an example, and there’s an increasing number of these, where the pathways of magma ascent are quite geometrically complex. It gives us a much more nuanced picture of what volcanic plumbing systems look like,” Karlstrom concluded.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41561-024-01442-0" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Geoscience</em></a><em>.</em></p>



<p>-----</p>



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<p>-----</p>

Kīlauea eruptions are unlike anything we have ever seen

No two volcanic eruptions are exactly alike, but scientists now...

<p>New images reveal the birth of a massive <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/iceberg-that-weighs-more-than-the-eiffel-tower-is-floating-freely/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">iceberg</a> in the Antarctic, comparable in size to the Isle of Wight. The iceberg, named A-83, spans 146 square miles (380 square km) and is about 490 feet (150 meters) thick.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The iceberg separated from the Brunt Ice Shelf last week, following the appearance of a new crack spotted in satellite images. According to the <a href="https://www.bas.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">British Antarctic Survey</a> (BAS), ocean currents now control A-83's movement.&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cracks-in-the-brunt-ice-shelf">Cracks in the Brunt Ice Shelf</h2>



<p>The Brunt Ice Shelf, named after Welsh meteorologist David Brunt, has experienced several icebergs breaking away in recent years. This latest iceberg calved after a vertical crack merged with an existing horizontal crack, resembling scissors cutting paper.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The horizontal crack, known as Halloween Crack, was discovered on October 31, 2016, while the vertical crack, 8.6 miles long (14 km), was only spotted on April 26 this year. BAS experts, using satellite and GPS data, confirmed the final separation in the early hours of Monday, May 20.</p>



<p>“This calving was expected since the appearance of Halloween Crack eight years ago,” said Oliver Marsh, a glaciologist at BAS. “It reduces the total area of the ice shelf to its smallest extent since monitoring began.”&nbsp;</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-natural-processes-nbsp-formed-the-cracks">Natural processes&nbsp;formed the cracks </h2>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/news/antarctic-ice-shelves-are-fracturing-from-meltwater-weight/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ice shelves</a> are floating ice platforms connected to a landmass, found in polar regions like Antarctica and Greenland. Although ice shelf melting is linked to global warming, BAS notes that the cracks leading to iceberg A-83 formed through natural processes.</p>



<p>According to Marsh, the iceberg's detachment resulted from the Brunt Ice Shelf's movement towards the McDonald Ice Rumples, a fixed point on the seafloor.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“Over time this created a bending stress in the ice to the north of Halloween Crack which increased until it exceeded a critical value,” said Marsh. “This type of calving is just one of the mechanisms through which the ice sheet loses mass to stay in balance with the year-round <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/snow-cover-has-decreased-in-recent-decades/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">snowfall</a>.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-research-monitoring-station">Research monitoring station</h2>



<p>The Brunt Ice Shelf also hosts BAS's Halley VI research station, crucial for monitoring. Halley VI comprises eight units on skis, allowing relocation from the ice shelf edge when necessary.&nbsp;</p>



<p>In 2016, BAS experts moved the base 14 miles inland to avoid it drifting away on an iceberg that later broke off in January 2023. Currently unstaffed, a new team will return to Halley VI in November.</p>



<p>The research conducted here is critical, contributing to our understanding of climate change, sea level rise, and the atmospheric phenomena.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-feeling-the-pressure">Feeling the pressure</h2>



<p>“Although iceberg calving is normal, the Brunt Ice Shelf is feeling the same pressures as elsewhere around Antarctica, including low sea ice conditions. When less sea ice is present, ice shelves are more exposed to destabilizing wind and wave action,” noted <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/152848/antarctic-ice-shelf-spawns-iceberg-a-83" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>.</p>



<p>“The remainder of the Brunt is still holding on to the McDonald Ice Rumples. But the new Iceberg A-83, along with icebergs A-74 and A-81 that broke off in recent years, have greatly diminished the ice shelf’s area since early 2021.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-future-of-the-brunt-ice-shelf-nbsp">The future of the Brunt Ice Shelf<strong>&nbsp;</strong></h2>



<p>Christopher Shuman is a University of Maryland glaciologist based at NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center.</p>



<p>“As ice shelves get smaller and smaller, they become more vulnerable to extreme events that can, as in the case of the Glenzer/Conger Ice Shelf, lead to destabilization and total loss of the floating glacial ice area,” said Shuman.</p>



<p>NASA noted that the Brunt Ice Shelf still has fractures on its surface, such as Chasm 2, that will continue to play a role in the evolution of the ice platform. “Data from Landsat collected year-round, along with insights from other sensors, will help scientists make sense of that future.”</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-more-about-the-brunt-ice-shelf-nbsp">More about the Brunt Ice Shelf&nbsp;</h2>



<p>Brunt Ice Shelf is located off the coast of Antarctica in the Weddell Sea. It extends from Coats Land in the west to Queen Maud Land in the east.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The ice shelf is particularly interesting to scientists because of its dynamic nature. It is constantly changing due to processes such as calving, and the formation of icebergs such as A-83.</p>



<p>These events could potentially alter the landscape of the shelf dramatically and have implications for global <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-level-rise-will-cost-coastal-cities-over-1-trillion-in-damages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea levels</a>, although the ice shelf itself, being already afloat, does not contribute to sea level rise when ice breaks off.</p>



<p>Image Credit: NASA Earth Observatory </p>



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Birth of an iceberg: A-83 breaks free from Antarctica

New images reveal the birth of a massive iceberg in...

<p>A recent study highlights the urgent need for ambitious targets to combat ocean <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastic-pollution-found-in-every-aquatic-species-tested/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastics pollution</a> by the end of this century. </p>



<p>The collaborative research, conducted by scientists from <a href="https://www.imperial.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Imperial College London</a> and <a href="https://www.gns.cri.nz/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">GNS Science</a>, indicates that a yearly reduction of plastic pollution by 5% could stabilize the levels of microplastics in the oceans. </p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-impact-of-ocean-microplastics">Impact of ocean microplastics </h2>



<p>Microplastics severely impact oceans and marine life. They harm marine organisms when ingested, causing physical damage and exposure to toxic chemicals. </p>



<p>The plastic particles can also transport harmful pollutants through the water, leading to bioaccumulation in the food chain. This contamination affects fish and other seafood, posing health risks to humans. </p>



<p>Microplastics disrupt ecosystems by interfering with reproduction, growth, and behavior of marine species. They degrade habitats like coral reefs and seafloor sediments, leading to biodiversity loss. </p>



<p>Overall, microplastics threaten marine biodiversity, ecosystem health, and human well-being, and urgent action is needed to mitigate their presence in the oceans.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-persistence-of-microplastics-in-the-ocean">Persistence of microplastics in the ocean</h2>



<p>Despite potential reductions in pollution, the study reveals that even a 20% annual decrease would not significantly reduce existing microplastic levels, which will likely persist in our oceans beyond 2100. </p>



<p>These tiny <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastic-particles-travel-in-the-air-across-entire-continents/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic particles</a> have been detected in all of the Earth's oceans, often accumulating in remote areas far from land. </p>



<p>They pose severe hazards to marine life and eventually enter human food systems, creating a widespread environmental and health issue.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-united-nations-initiative">United Nations initiative</h2>



<p>The United Nations Environmental Assembly (UNEA) aims to adopt a legally binding resolution to eradicate <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-plastic-pollution-has-become-a-global-crisis/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic pollution</a>, including ocean microplastics, by 2040. </p>



<p>The researchers developed a model predicting the impact of eight different plastic pollution reduction scenarios over the next century, starting in 2026 and extending to 2100. </p>



<p>The study shows that more than a 5% yearly reduction in plastic pollution could stabilize the amount of microplastics in the ocean, halting their continued increase.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-future-of-ocean-microplastics">Future of ocean microplastics </h2>



<p>Zhenna Azimrayat Andrews completed this work for her MSc in Environmental Technology at Imperial College London. She emphasized the ubiquity of plastic in the environment. </p>



<p>"Plastic is now everywhere in the environment, and the ocean is no exception. Whilst our results show that microplastics will be around in the oceans past the end of the century, stabilizing their levels is the first step towards elimination," said Azimrayat Andrews.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-removing-microplastics-from-the-ocean-s-surface">Removing microplastics from the ocean's surface</h2>



<p>Microplastics are particularly dangerous when they accumulate in the surface waters of the ocean, where they can be ingested by marine life, including fish that humans consume. </p>



<p>One natural removal process involves microplastics clumping together with organic debris or animal droppings, which can then sink to the deep ocean. </p>



<p>However, the study's calculations - supported by real-world observations - suggest that the buoyancy of microplastics often prevents these clumps from sinking, and they are trapped near the surface.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-challenges-and-implications">Challenges and implications</h2>



<p>The persistence of microplastics near the <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-floor-harbors-up-to-11-million-tons-of-plastic-debris/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ocean surface</a>, despite reduced pollution levels, means they will remain a concern for centuries. Once they do sink, they can last much longer in deeper ocean layers, where their impacts are not well understood. </p>



<p>"There can never be a completely successful removal of microplastics from all depths of the ocean; we kind of just need to live with it now. But the current global output of plastic pollution is so great that even a 1% annual reduction in pollution would make a big difference overall," said Azimrayat Andrews.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-setting-realistic-and-ambitious-goals">Setting realistic and ambitious goals</h2>



<p>The study is the first to examine the effectiveness of plausible <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/global-plastics-treaty-tackles-the-pollution-problem-directly-at-the-source/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">treaty</a> reduction targets. </p>



<p>The significant reductions needed to lessen contamination require a coordinated international policy, rather than the UN's proposed goal of zero plastic pollution by 2040. </p>



<p>"If we want to move towards a lower plastic society, change needs to happen at a higher level. These changes should happen on an industrial level, as no single individual should have the weight of the world on their shoulders," noted Azimrayat Andrews.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-systemic-changes-needed-to-address-microplastics">Systemic changes needed to address microplastics</h2>



<p>According to the researchers, we must integrate sustainable lifestyles and systemic changes in commercial and industrial sectors. They believe these steps are vital to effectively address environmental challenges. </p>



<p>The team also aims for their analysis to impact upcoming UN negotiations. They hope the study findings will drive global efforts to combat the plastic pollution crisis. </p>



<p>By highlighting the urgency of the issue, the researchers seek to influence policymakers and stakeholders. The goal is to ensure that solutions are both practical and impactful, in an effort to create a more sustainable future for all.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://iopscience.iop.org/article/10.1088/1748-9326/ad472c" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Research Letters</a></em>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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Ocean microplastics are here to stay, so what can we do now?

A recent study highlights the urgent need for ambitious targets...

<p>Microplastic ingestion is now an inescapable part of our daily lives, entering our bodies through the food we eat and the air we breathe. A recent study has mapped the human uptake of microplastics across 109 countries, revealing some startling trends.</p>



<p>Southeast Asian countries like Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines top the list for dietary <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/consumption-of-microplastics-cant-be-avoided-and-they-damage-gut-health/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">microplastic consumption</a> per capita, while China, Mongolia, and the United Kingdom lead in microplastic inhalation.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-microplastic-ingestion-from-the-human-diet">Microplastic ingestion from the human diet</h2>



<p>Published in the journal <em>Environmental Science &amp; Technology</em>, this study builds on existing data models to estimate how much microplastic humans consume unknowingly.</p>



<p>These microplastics result from untreated <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ocean-floor-harbors-up-to-11-million-tons-of-plastic-debris/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic debris</a> degrading and dispersing into the environment. </p>



<p>Furthermore, the study considers factors such as eating habits, food processing technologies, age demographics, and breathing rates to provide a comprehensive estimate of human microplastic ingestion.</p>



<p>Microplastics, tiny plastic particles less than 5 millimeters in size, have become a pervasive part of our diet. These particles enter our food through various pathways, posing potential health risks. </p>



<p>Seafood is a significant source, as fish and shellfish ingest microplastics from <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/microplastics-pose-a-greater-threat-to-some-ocean-animals/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">polluted oceans</a>, which then transfer to humans upon consumption. </p>



<p>Sea salt, particularly in regions with high marine pollution, also contains substantial amounts of microplastics.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/microplastics_human-ingestion_illustration_credit-Environmental-Science-Technology_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/microplastics_human-ingestion_illustration_credit-Environmental-Science-Technology_1s.jpg" alt="How humans ingest microplastics. Credit: Environmental Science and Technology" class="wp-image-1935199"/></a></figure>



<p>Bottled water is another contributor, with plastic bottles shedding microplastics into the water we drink. Food packaging, especially when heated, can release microplastics into food we ingest.</p>



<p>Additionally, plastics used in agriculture, like mulch films, can break down and contaminate crops, further microplastic ingestion in our diets.</p>



<p>The ingestion of microplastics through diet is concerning due to their ability to absorb harmful chemicals, which can then enter the body.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-breathing-and-indirect-microplastic-ingestion">Breathing and indirect microplastic ingestion</h2>



<p>The study's data on dietary microplastic ingestion includes concentrations found in various food groups: fruits, vegetables, proteins, grains, dairy, drinks, sugars, salt, and spices. </p>



<p>For example, while table salt consumption is similar between Indonesia and the U.S., the microplastic concentration in Indonesian <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/table-salt-contains-a-shocking-number-of-microplastics/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">table salt</a> is about 100 times higher. </p>



<p>Consequently, Indonesians consume about 15 grams of microplastics per month, primarily from seafood, making it the highest in the world. </p>



<figure class="wp-block-image aligncenter size-full"><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/microplastics_human-ingestion_world-map_credit-Environmental-Science-Technology_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><img src="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/microplastics_human-ingestion_world-map_credit-Environmental-Science-Technology_1s.jpg" alt="World map showing levels of human microplastics ingestion. Credit: Environmental Science and Technology" class="wp-image-1935201"/></a></figure>



<p>In comparison, U.S. residents consume approximately 2.4 grams per month, while Paraguayans consume the least at 0.85 grams.</p>



<p>Airborne microplastic concentration, age demographics, and respiration rates were analyzed to determine inhalation rates. </p>



<p>Residents of China and Mongolia inhale over 2.8 million particles per month, topping the global list. In contrast, U.S. residents inhale about 300,000 particles per month. </p>



<p>The lowest inhalation rates are found in Mediterranean regions, with Spain, Portugal, and Hungary residents inhaling between 60,000 to 240,000 particles monthly.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-of-industrialization">Implications of industrialization</h2>



<p>"Industrialization in developing economies, particularly in East and South Asia, has led to increased consumption of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/biodegradable-plastic-materials-do-not-biodegrade-in-the-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">plastic materials</a>, waste generation, and human microplastic uptake," said Fengqi You, the Roxanne E. and Michael J. Zak Professor in Energy Systems Engineering and senior faculty fellow at the <a href="https://atkinson.cornell.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability</a>. </p>



<p>Developed countries, however, are seeing a reverse trend due to better economic resources for reducing and removing plastic debris.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-strategies-for-reduction">Strategies for reduction</h2>



<p>The study suggests that a 90% reduction in aquatic plastic debris could significantly decrease microplastic ingestion -- by up to 51% in developed countries and 49% in highly industrializing regions. </p>



<p>These findings come just after an international committee meeting (April 23–29) negotiating the U.N. <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/plastics-treaty-talks-slow-progress-yet-restored-hope/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Plastics Treaty</a>, which aims to establish global rules for plastic production and disposal. </p>



<p>The treaty, expected to be finalized later this year, will emphasize international collaboration to reduce marine microplastics.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-microplastic-uptake-a-multifaceted-approach">Addressing microplastic uptake: a multifaceted approach</h2>



<p>"Cleaning the global surface water system is a marathon influenced by local industrial and socioeconomic settings," said Xiang Zhao, a doctoral student and co-author of the study. </p>



<p><a href="https://www.earth.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/microplastics_human-ingestion_world-map_credit-Environmental-Science-Technology_1m.jpg" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">The global map</a> pinpointing aquatic microplastic hotspots can initiate this journey. </p>



<p>The study highlights that addressing microplastic ingestion requires sustainable packaging solutions, stringent waste management regulations, and advanced water treatment technologies.</p>



<p>This comprehensive mapping of global microplastic ingestion provides crucial insights for local pollution mitigation efforts and supports the development of targeted strategies to combat this global crisis.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <em><em><a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.est.4c00010" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Environmental Science &amp; Technology</a></em></em>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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Human microplastic ingestion levels mapped across 109 countries

Microplastic ingestion is now an inescapable part of our daily...

<p>As summer approaches, harbor porpoises in coastal waters face increased challenges as the waters they inhabit become crowded with recreational boats and ships. </p>



<p>While people enjoy water skiing, <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/harbor-porpoises-are-severely-threatened-by-fishing-activities/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">fishing</a>, and cruising around scenic coasts, bays and fjords, these activities significantly disrupt the lives of these magnificent mammals.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-harbor-porpoises-and-motorboats">Harbor porpoises and motorboats</h2>



<p>Harbor porpoises, medium-sized cetaceans that primarily feed on small fish, spend about 60% of their time hunting. </p>



<p>Research from <a href="https://international.au.dk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Aarhus University</a>, led by a team including postdoc Laia Rojano Doñate, reveals that disturbances from motorboats can severely impact these animals' ability to hunt effectively.</p>



<p>"Harbor porpoises spend a lot of energy in a day. Not because they spend it hunting for fish, but because they need it to stay warm," explains Rojano Doñate. </p>



<p>"Living in cold waters requires a lot of energy for <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/discovery-hammerhead-sharks-hold-their-breath-to-stay-warm/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">thermoregulation</a>. That’s why it’s a big problem if they are disturbed by motor boats and stop eating."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-how-harbor-porpoises-hunt">How harbor porpoises hunt</h2>



<p>Harbor porpoises primarily hunt small fish using echolocation. They emit high-frequency clicks and listen for the echoes bouncing back from their surroundings to locate prey.</p>



<p>Just before capturing their prey, they produce a rapid series of clicks known as a "buzz," which helps them pinpoint the exact location of the fish. </p>



<p>Their diet mainly consists of small fish such as herring, cod, and whiting, but they also occasionally consume <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/squid-mating-tactics-are-determined-by-birth-date/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">squid</a> and small crustaceans.</p>



<p>To meet their daily energy needs, harbor porpoises need to catch around 2,000 small fish. This high intake is essential because they burn a significant amount of energy maintaining their body temperature in cold waters. </p>



<p>As agile swimmers, they can make quick, precise movements to catch their prey. Harbor porpoises spend about 60% of their time hunting, highlighting the importance of uninterrupted foraging to their survival and overall health.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-constant-disruption">Constant disruption</h2>



<p>Rojano Doñate and her colleagues have tracked several harbor porpoises over the years to study their behavior and the effects of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/humpback-whales-fail-to-respond-to-vessel-noise/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human disturbances</a>. </p>



<p>In 2018, they discovered that the animals were near boat noise 80% of the time, a startling figure given their need to hunt 60% of the time.</p>



<p>The tracking devices used not only recorded surrounding noise but also measured dive depth and GPS location. The data showed that some porpoises ceased hunting when boats approached. </p>



<p>"When hunting for fish, they make a buzzing sound just before catching prey. This sound helps them navigate in the dark waters below. But when <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/reducing-boat-noise-boosts-reproduction-among-reef-fish/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">motorboats</a> were around, they sometimes stopped buzzing," Rojano Doñate says. </p>



<p>"This constant disturbance can prevent them from catching enough fish, ultimately threatening their survival."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-energy-expenditure">Energy expenditure</h2>



<p>Harbor porpoises require a significant amount of energy daily. They need to catch around 2,000 small fish each day to meet their energy needs, much like cows grazing throughout the day. </p>



<p>Studies in both captivity and the wild have quantified the energy expenditure of harbor porpoises, showing that each breath they take burns around 5 kilojoules of energy. </p>



<p>With approximately 4,000 breaths a day, they need 20 megajoules of energy just to survive.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-declining-population">Declining population</h2>



<p>For years, the harbor <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/porpoises-are-steadily-declining-in-the-german-north-sea/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">porpoise population</a> in Kattegat appeared stable at around 40,000 individuals. However, recent counts show a dramatic decline to just 14,000. </p>



<p>This decline is attributed to several factors, including reduced fish stocks, increased pollution, and entanglement in fishing nets.</p>



<p>"Getting disturbed by boats is not the only cause. More pollution and getting caught in fishing nets are also part of the explanation of why harbor porpoises are disappearing fast," Rojano Doñate explains. </p>



<p>"Additionally, the growing grey seal population, which preys on harbor porpoises, contributes to their decline."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-conflict-between-human-activity-and-harbor-porpoises">Conflict between human activity and harbor porpoises</h2>



<p>Harbor porpoises, despite being part of the whale family, spend a significant amount of time in coastal waters. In Kattegat, these shallow waters are also popular with recreational boaters, creating a conflict between <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/more-than-45000-marine-species-are-endangered-by-human-impacts/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">human activity</a> and porpoise survival.</p>



<p>"We might not even notice it, but when we venture out on the sea on a sunny summer day, we might be disturbing a lot of animals," Rojano Doñate says. </p>



<p>"To address this problem, we need to change our habits. Establishing zones where motorboats are prohibited and encouraging responsible boating behavior could make a significant difference."</p>



<p>In conclusion, while summer activities bring joy to many, they also bring challenges to the harbor porpoises. </p>



<p>By understanding the impact of our actions and taking steps to mitigate them, we can help ensure the survival of these vulnerable marine creatures.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the journal <a href="https://www.science.org/doi/10.1126/sciadv.adj7132" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Science Advances</em></a>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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<p>-----</p>

Harbor porpoises are being harmed by traffic from boats and ships

As summer approaches, harbor porpoises in coastal waters face increased...

<p>Rising <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sea-level-rise-will-cost-coastal-cities-over-1-trillion-in-damages/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">sea levels</a> and urban development are accelerating coastal <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seagrass-can-protect-against-coastal-erosion/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">erosion</a> in Southern California at an alarming rate, leading to significant economic impacts. </p>



<p>A recent study predicts that the cost of coastal living in Southern California will increase fivefold by 2050 due to beach erosion. The research highlights the urgent need for effective solutions to combat this growing problem.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-erosion-s-financial-impact-on-coastal-living">Erosion's financial impact on coastal living</h2>



<p>The study, conducted by researchers at the <a href="https://www.usc.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southern California</a>, forecasts that coastal living costs will skyrocket due to the need for more frequent and expensive beach nourishment projects. </p>



<p>These projects are essential to maintain the state's prized shorelines, but they come with hefty price tags. As the shorelines deteriorate, the costs associated with beach nourishment are expected to increase significantly.</p>



<p>"Our study presents compelling evidence of the rapid deterioration of Southern California's coastal landscapes," said Essam Heggy, a geoscientist in the USC Viterbi School of Engineering.</p>



<p>"The challenges facing Southern California mirror a growing threat shared by coastal communities worldwide. The environmental and economic implications of coastal erosion reach far beyond California's shores and demand interdisciplinary, global solutions."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-predicting-future-changes">Predicting future changes</h2>



<p>To understand the future of California's <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/self-repairing-oyster-reefs-will-help-protect-coastlines/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastlines</a>, the researchers focused on the Gulf of Santa Catalina, which spans over 150 miles from the Palos Verdes Peninsula in Los Angeles County to the northern tip of Baja California in Mexico. </p>



<p>By analyzing historical and recent satellite images and using advanced algorithms, the experts were able to predict future erosion rates based on various trends and environmental factors.</p>



<p>Consequently, the researchers predict that erosion rates will triple by 2050, increasing from an average of 1.45 meters per year to 3.18 meters by 2100. </p>



<p>This means that the annual sand requirement for beach nourishment could also triple by 2050, with costs rising fivefold due to the global increase in sand prices. </p>



<p>The rising costs will put significant economic and logistical pressures on coastal communities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-impact-of-urban-development">The impact of urban development</h2>



<p>Beach nourishment involves adding sand to an eroded beach to rebuild it and create a wider barrier against waves and storms. </p>



<p>However, the study suggests that coastal problems often start inland due to the rapid growth of cities along the coast. This urban development compromises inland sediment replenishment of sandy beaches.</p>



<p>"As our beaches shrink, the cost of maintaining them will rise," said Heggy. "Finding innovative solutions is key to securing a sustainable future for our <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/shrinking-shores-beaches-need-protection-from-coastal-squeeze/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">shores</a> and local economies."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-global-challenges-of-coastal-erosion">Global challenges of coastal erosion</h2>



<p>Coastal erosion is not unique to Southern California. Coastal communities worldwide, particularly those in North Africa bordering the Mediterranean Sea, face similar challenges. These regions share a semi-arid climate year-round, coupled with the threats of <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/rising-sea-levels-threaten-groundwater-global-cities-underground-infrastructure/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">rising sea levels</a> and eroding shorelines. </p>



<p>A significant portion of Earth's landmass, roughly 41 percent, falls under arid or semi-arid classifications, supporting over a third of the global population.</p>



<p>To understand this global challenge, the researchers compared two specific locations: Corona del Mar in Orange County, California, and Hammamet North Beach in Tunisia. Both locations are densely populated with similar climates. These sites are also prone to increasing droughts, flash floods, and unpredictable rainfall patterns.</p>



<p>The study revealed that shoreline retreat rates vary between the two locations. In Southern California, beaches are receding between 0.75 and 1.24 meters per year. In Hammamet North Beach, the retreat rate ranges from 0.21 to about 4.49 meters annually.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cost-of-beach-nourishment">Cost of beach nourishment</h2>



<p>Study co-author Oula Amrouni is a sedimentologist at the National Institute of Marine Sciences and Technologies at the <a href="https://ucar.rnu.tn/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Carthage</a> in Tunisia.</p>



<p>"While beach nourishment can temporarily combat erosion, it presents significant challenges for developing countries," said Amrouni.</p>



<p>"The high cost of acquiring the right sand, with the specific grain size, quality, and composition, and the technical complexity of extracting and laying it are major hurdles. Additionally, worsening erosion in previously stable areas compels more frequent nourishment projects, straining already limited budgets and leading to unplanned expenditures for many communities."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-urgent-need-for-innovative-solutions">Urgent need for innovative solutions</h2>



<p>The study underscores the urgent need for innovative solutions to address <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/nature-based-solutions-improve-coastal-defenses/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">coastal</a> erosion. As sea levels rise and urban development continues, the cost of maintaining our treasured shorelines will only increase. </p>



<p>It is imperative to find sustainable methods to protect our coastlines and support the economies of coastal communities worldwide.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/articles/s43247-024-01388-6" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Communications Earth &amp; Environment</a></em>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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<p>-----</p>

Coastal living will cost five times more by 2050

Rising sea levels and urban development are accelerating coastal erosion...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHHxOej4QfE
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Researchers found a correlation between Alzheimer's disease and traffic pollution.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-invisible-threat-in-urban-air"><strong>Invisible threat in urban air</strong></h2>



<p>City dwellers face an unseen danger with every breath. New findings from Emory University researchers suggest that fine particulate matter from <a href="http://earth.com/news/traffic-related-air-pollution-might-increase-alzheimers-risk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">vehicle emissions may significantly elevate the risk of developing Alzheimer's disease</a>. The study examined brain tissue samples from 224 individuals who had confirmed diagnoses and volunteered their brains for scientific research.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-disturbing-connections-emerge"><strong>Disturbing connections emerge</strong></h2>



<p>Scientists analyzed neuritic plaques — protein clusters that characterize Alzheimer's — while mapping each participant's exposure to PM2.5 particles based on residential location and surrounding traffic density. The correlation proved more alarming than anticipated. Individuals experiencing higher pollution exposure showed nearly double the likelihood of elevated plaque accumulation in brain tissue.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-timing-matters"><strong>Timing matters</strong></h2>



<p>The research team discovered that pollution exposure during the final year before death demonstrated the strongest association with brain changes. This timeline suggests relatively rapid impacts from environmental toxins on neural health. The connection remained robust even after accounting for various demographic and health factors.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-genetic-vulnerability-patterns"><strong>Genetic vulnerability patterns</strong></h2>



<p>Perhaps most concerning, people lacking the APOE gene—which naturally predisposes individuals to Alzheimer's — exhibited more than twice the susceptibility to pollution-related brain damage. Study author Dr. Anke Huels noted this indicates environmental elements like air contamination could trigger the disease in cases where hereditary factors don't explain.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-public-health-implications"><strong>Public health implications</strong></h2>



<p>These findings, published in <em><a href="https://www.neurology.org/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Neurology</a></em>, underscore the critical importance of air quality regulations in urban planning. The research suggests that implementing stricter emission controls and promoting alternative transportation could serve as powerful tools in Alzheimer's prevention.</p>



<p>As cities worldwide grapple with growing traffic congestion and aging populations, this study highlights an urgent need for comprehensive approaches to environmental health that protect both our lungs and our minds.</p>



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Traffic fumes may trigger Alzheimer's

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lHHxOej4QfE Researchers found a correlation between Alzheimer's disease and traffic...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E0mn5mTvhQ
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that scientists never expected.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-hidden-waters-beneath-ancient-craters">Hidden waters beneath ancient craters</h2>



<p>Scientists have made a startling discovery that challenges everything we thought we knew about <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/saturn-moon-mimas-has-remarkably-young-ocean/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Saturn's moon Mimas</a>. Beneath the heavily cratered surface that earned it the nickname "Death Star" lies a global ocean that formed just 5 to 15 million years ago—a remarkably young age by cosmic standards.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cassini-data-reveals-orbital-secrets">Cassini data reveals orbital secrets</h2>



<p>The discovery, led by Dr. Valéry Lainey of the <a href="https://observatoiredeparis.psl.eu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Observatoire de Paris</a>, emerged from careful analysis of <a href="https://www.nasa.gov" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NASA</a>'s Cassini spacecraft data. By studying subtle irregularities in Mimas's orbit around Saturn, researchers detected the gravitational signature of liquid water hidden 20 to 30 kilometers beneath the moon's icy shell.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-an-unlikely-ocean-world">An unlikely ocean world</h2>



<p>At only 400 kilometers in diameter, Mimas seemed like the least likely candidate to harbor a subsurface ocean. Unlike other ocean moons such as Europa and Enceladus, which show clear surface signs of internal activity, Mimas displays no obvious hints of the liquid water beneath its ancient, crater-scarred exterior.</p>



<p>"Mimas is a small moon, and its heavily cratered surface gave no hint of the hidden ocean beneath," explained Dr. Nick Cooper from <a href="https://www.qmul.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Queen Mary University of London</a>, a study co-author.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-astrobiology">Implications for astrobiology</h2>



<p>The ocean's recent formation makes Mimas a prime target for studying how oceans develop and potentially support life. This discovery adds another member to the exclusive club of ocean worlds in our solar system, each offering unique insights into the conditions necessary for habitability.</p>



<p>The research, published in <em><a href="https://www.nature.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nature</a></em> journal, demonstrates how advanced orbital analysis can reveal hidden features of celestial bodies, opening new possibilities for understanding ocean formation throughout the cosmos.</p>



<p>—–</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Scientists discover unexpected young ocean on Saturn's cratered moon Mimas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2E0mn5mTvhQ 'Death Star' moon Mimas conceals a 15-million-year-old ocean that...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0DuSr87SHY
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">57 million-year ice age mystery solved by Australian scientists.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-when-earth-became-a-frozen-wasteland">When Earth became a frozen wasteland</h2>



<p>Imagine Earth as a giant snowball, frozen solid from the North Pole to the equator. This wasn't the plot of a science fiction movie – it was our planet's reality 700 million years ago during an extreme ice age that has puzzled scientists for decades.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-discovery">The discovery</h2>



<p>Australian researchers from the <a href="https://www.sydney.edu.au/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Sydney</a> have finally cracked one of geology's greatest mysteries: what caused the Sturtian glaciation and why it persisted for an unprecedented 57 million years. This period occurred long before dinosaurs roamed the Earth, when no complex plants or multicellular animals existed.</p>



<p>Dr. Adriana Dutkiewicz, the study's lead author, describes a world completely unlike today's climate. "Imagine the Earth almost completely frozen over," she explained. "The planet was blanketed in ice from poles to equator, and temperatures plunged."</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-combination-of-climate-factors">The combination of climate factors</h2>



<p>The research team discovered that this massive freeze resulted from a "double whammy" of geological events. First, plate tectonic activity reduced volcanic carbon dioxide emissions to historically low levels. Volcanic activity typically releases CO2 into the atmosphere, creating a greenhouse effect that keeps Earth warm.</p>



<p>Simultaneously, weathering of volcanic rocks in what is now Canada actively absorbed atmospheric CO2, further reducing greenhouse gas concentrations. When atmospheric carbon dioxide levels dropped below 200 parts per million – less than half of today's levels – glaciation engulfed the entire planet.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-modern-climate-implications">Modern climate implications</h2>



<p>Published in the journal <em><a href="https://pubs.geoscienceworld.org/geology" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geology</a></em>, this research provides crucial insights into Earth's climate system. While geological climate changes occur over millions of years, the study emphasizes that human-induced climate change is happening at a pace ten times faster than previously observed natural changes, highlighting the urgent need to understand our planet's delicate climate balance.</p>



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<p>—–</p>

What caused the planet's longest ice age

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0DuSr87SHY 57 million-year ice age mystery solved by Australian scientists....

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXXGGiynIjs
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Greenland is not sinking. In fact, it is the opposite.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-contrasting-climate-response">A contrasting climate response</h2>



<p>Most coastal towns are <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/sinking-land-will-intensify-the-effects-of-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">preparing for higher sea levels</a>, but <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/greenland-no-longer-has-to-worry-about-rising-sea-levels/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Greenland presents</a> a different scenario during climate change. The ground there is rising at a remarkable rate. Over the past decade, some areas have lifted about 20 centimeters, which translates to roughly 2 meters per century. This rate significantly exceeds current projections for sea level rise.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-geological-rebound-process-through-climate-change">Geological rebound process through climate change</h2>



<p>The mechanism behind this phenomenon is straightforward. As the ice sheet melts, the immense weight is removed from the bedrock, causing the land to rebound upward. This process resembles the way compressed material springs back when pressure is released.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-scientific-monitoring-networks">Scientific monitoring networks</h2>



<p>Researchers at the <a href="https://www.dtu.dk/english/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Technical University of Denmark</a> are documenting this uplift using the GNET network, consisting of 61 GPS stations positioned around Greenland's coast. These sensors can detect movement with millimeter precision, providing detailed measurements of the ongoing changes.</p>



<p>The data reveal that current uplift rates exceed the gradual rebound occurring since the last ice age ended approximately 12,000 years ago. This acceleration corresponds directly with increased ice sheet melting rates.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-coastal-transformation">Coastal Transformation</h2>



<p>This uplift is actively reshaping Greenland's coastline. New islands and rocky formations, called "skerries," are emerging as previously submerged land surfaces rise above the water level. This represents a notable contrast to global concerns about rising seas.</p>



<p>The study, published in Geophysical Research Letters, demonstrates the varied regional impacts of climate change. While many locations face rising water levels, Greenland's bedrock is literally rising above the surrounding seas.</p>



<p>The full study was recently published in <em><a href="https://agupubs.onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1029/2023GL104851" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Geophysical Research Letters</a></em>.</p>



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<p>—–</p>

Greenland's ground rises while coasts worldwide face higher seas

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WXXGGiynIjs Greenland is not sinking. In fact, it is the...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSM3EVeGHJU
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Companies like MindStudio help companies train their employees to implement the latest AI Agent building platform.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-ai-agent-training-transforms-the-workplace-fear-factor-into-a-competitive-advantage">AI agent training transforms the workplace 'fear factor' into a competitive advantage</h2>



<p>Organizations that offer comprehensive artificial intelligence training to their workers find remarkable value that extends well beyond basic <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/mind-wandering-might-be-more-productive-than-you-think/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">productivity improvements</a>. Emerging research demonstrates that carefully crafted AI training programs <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/ai-does-not-replace-human-creativity-but-enhances-it/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">enhance</a> corporate performance, lower operational costs, and dramatically improve employee psychological well-being by turning workplace uncertainty into professional empowerment.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-addressing-the-widespread-ai-anxiety-crisis-among-us">Addressing the widespread 'AI anxiety' crisis among us</h2>



<p>A staggering 53% of employees expressed concern that the use of AI tools to automate work tasks could make them appear disposable to their employers, according to <a href="https://www.microsoft.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Microsoft</a>'s 2024 workplace survey. Such pervasive worry about being substituted by machines has caused what researchers have termed "AI technostress" – a psychological state that can result in occupational burnout and poorer mental well-being.</p>



<p>Data published in <a href="https://www.nature.com/palcomms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humanities and Social Sciences Communications</a> showed that belief in AI learning ability was a moderator in the link between technology adoption and work pressure, and higher confidence significantly lowered negative psychological responses. Workers provided ample training to become competent with AI software have significantly lower stress.</p>



<p>Companies like <a href="https://www.mindstudio.ai/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MindStudio</a> have platforms for building what are known as "AI Agents".  In essence, AI Agents are simply tools that employees can build for themselves or their teams quickly and inexpensively.   MindStudio will even train entire companies, from the CEO on down, at no cost. By letting MindStudio empower employees, companies avoid hiring more IT staff, buying more software, and implementing solutions to problems that do not exist.</p>



<p>MindStudio even has partners locally for companies, like <a href="http://www.dominnus.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Dominnus</a> with offices in the Carolinas, California, and Denver, to help build AI Agents and support employees as they become resident AI experts for their organization.  The training provided by MindStudio is applicable across other AI Agent building platforms as well.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-revolutionary-productivity-through-focused-learning">Revolutionary productivity through focused learning</h2>



<p>Organizations that implement large-scale AI training programs achieve dramatic outcomes. Employees performed tasks significantly better when they utilized AI support compared to when they didn't, according to <a href="https://www.nngroup.com/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Nielsen Norman Group</a> research findings. Their study documented productivity increases of 66% for a variety of professional tasks.</p>



<p>Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis research finds workers record 33% higher productivity in time working with generative AI tools. The benefit is equivalent to 5.4% of work time savings for AI users – around 2.2 hours per week for full-time workers.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-psychological-well-being-benefits-through-ai-competence">Psychological well-being benefits through AI competence</h2>



<p>The emotional transformation when employees are provided with proper technology training is a fundamental transformation from fear to professional confidence. A survey of 600 employees across industries, carried out by ScienceDirect, proved that AI capabilities strengthen work environment commitment and improve job satisfaction.</p>



<p>A <a href="https://www.lut.fi/en" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">LUT University</a> study discovered that AI adoption has no direct effect on workers' well-being but does so indirectly through working conditions like task optimization and safety protocols. Strategically deployed AI that involves correct training can actually increase workplace mental well-being.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-from-replacement-anxiety-to-partnership-confidence">From 'replacement anxiety' to 'partnership confidence'</h2>



<p>Although 35% of those interviewed in recent McKinsey studies were concerned about workforce displacement, firms with large-scale training initiatives witness such fears dissipate quickly. The World Economic Forum found that two out of three respondents believe AI competencies will enhance their career prospects and job marketability.</p>



<p>This shift from fear to trust has measurable implications for job satisfaction. Applied Sciences research indicates AI can create tailored wellness programs based on individual employee requirements.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-financial-benefits-of-increased-retention">Financial benefits of increased retention</h2>



<p>The mental health advantages of AI learning have a direct impact on organizational bottom lines in the form of a positive feedback cycle with high retention of employees. Recent ROI research validates that artificial intelligence learning has a beneficial impact on employee turnover and satisfaction levels.</p>



<p>PriceWaterhouseCoopers' research documents 20% to 30% improvements in productivity, market speed, and revenue in organizations that attempt systematic AI adoption through comprehensive training.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-environmental-advantages-of-ai-enabled-teams">Environmental advantages of AI-enabled teams</h2>



<p>AI training has unforeseen environmental benefits as it makes the work environment more efficient. According to a study in Scientific Reports, the carbon footprint in writing and illustrating work is significantly lower when AI performs it compared to humans. AI software produces 130 to 1,500 times less CO2 equivalent per page of text created than human authors.</p>



<p>In addition, AI-driven remote work functionality significantly reduces environmental impact. Research by Cornell University and Microsoft indicates that remote workers reduce greenhouse gas emissions by up to 54% by not commuting daily to offices. Hybrid workers working remotely two to four days a week can reduce their carbon footprint by 11% to 29%.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-cumulative-organizational-advantages">Cumulative organizational advantages</h2>



<p>The compounding gains of better mental well-being, reduced turnover, increased productivity, and environmental benefits flow to enterprises from the pairing. McKinsey analysis estimates the long-term AI potential at $4.4 trillion in incremental productivity growth opportunity from business use cases.</p>



<p>As of now, 75% of knowledge workers globally utilize generative AI, mirroring widespread adoption patterns. Organizations that provide organized training and assistance see the most favorable results in productivity, worker satisfaction, and ecological sustainability.</p>



<p>The research overwhelmingly indicates that companies that invest in proper AI education, like that offered through <a href="https://www.mindstudio.ai" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MindStudio</a>, establish win-win scenarios where employees are both more empowered and less stressed, and companies enjoy the gains of increased productivity, reduced turnover, and improved mental health outcomes throughout their workforce.</p>



<p>For more on MindStudio's free AI training for companies, visit the website's of MindStudio and Dominnus from the links below.</p>



<p>The research was published across a variety of peer-reviewed journals, including <a href="https://www.nature.com/palcomms/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Humanities and Social Sciences Communications</a>, <a href="https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/artificial-intelligence" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Frontiers in Artificial Intelligence</a>, and <a href="https://www.mdpi.com/journal/applsci">Applied Sciences</a>.</p>



<p id="block-9bd989d6-2fd3-4580-957f-6cacce134f08">-----</p>



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<p>MindStudio.AI: <a href="https://www.mindstudio.ai" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.mindstudio.ai</a></p>



<p>Dominnus: <a href="https://www.dominnus.com" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.dominnus.com</a></p>

AI agent training boosts mental health and profits

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DSM3EVeGHJU Companies like MindStudio help companies train their employees to...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HDXqTGEmi4
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Scientists give plants superpowers against bacterial disease</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-a-natural-solution-to-disease-through-crop-modification">A natural solution to disease through crop modification.</h2>



<p>The agricultural industry stands at a crossroads between productivity and environmental responsibility, and crop modification often carries a negative connotation. While chemical pesticides have long been the go-to solution for crop protection, their harmful effects on ecosystems and human health have prompted scientists to seek alternatives. The recent breakthrough by <a href="https://www.southampton.ac.uk/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Southampton</a> researchers offers a promising path forward through the precise manipulation of plant-associated microbial communities.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-science-behind-microbial-partnerships">The science behind microbial partnerships</h2>



<p>Plants naturally harbor diverse ecosystems of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that function as biological allies. These microscopic partners contribute to disease resistance, nutrient absorption, and stress tolerance. However, until now, scientists lacked the tools to deliberately reshape these communities to enhance crop protection.</p>



<p>The Southampton team's approach centered on <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/engineered-plant-microbiomes-the-future-of-crop-protection/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">modifying lignin biosynthesis genes in rice plants</a>. This strategic intervention altered the plant's metabolic output, creating conditions that favored beneficial bacterial populations while suppressing harmful ones. The result was a living defense system embedded within the plant itself.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-implications-for-global-food-security">Implications for global food security</h2>



<p>The successful demonstration against Xanthomonas oryzae, the pathogen responsible for bacterial blight in rice, represents more than a laboratory achievement. Rice feeds nearly half the world's population, and bacterial blight causes devastating crop losses annually. Traditional control methods rely heavily on pesticides that contaminate soil and water systems.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-looking-beyond-disease-resistance">Looking Beyond Disease Resistance</h2>



<p>While disease protection represents the immediate application, the research framework opens doors to broader agricultural improvements. Future developments could engineer microbiomes to enhance nutrient uptake, reducing dependence on synthetic fertilizers. This dual benefit addresses both crop productivity and environmental sustainability.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-the-path-forward">The path forward</h2>



<p>As this technology advances from laboratory to field applications, it promises to reshape sustainable agriculture. The ability to program plants with their own biological defense systems could herald a new era where crops protect themselves naturally, reducing chemical inputs while maintaining yields necessary for global food security.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal&nbsp;<a href="http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41467-023-44335-3" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener"><em>Nature Communications</em></a>.</p>



<p>-----</p>



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Revolutionizing agriculture through microbiome engineering

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0HDXqTGEmi4 Scientists give plants superpowers against bacterial disease A natural...

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk
</div><figcaption class="wp-element-caption">Acid rain and a crisis solved.</figcaption></figure>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-don-t-we-ever-hear-about-acid-rain-anymore-the-environmental-crisis-that-was-solved">Why don't we ever hear about "acid rain" anymore? The environmental crisis that was solved</h2>



<p>Remember the 1980s when acid rain dominated headlines? Dire warnings about rain eating buildings, killing fish, and destroying forests filled every news cycle. Then, almost like magic, acid rain vanished from public discourse. What happened? Did we actually solve one of the late 20th century's most pressing environmental challenges?</p>



<p>The answer might surprise you. Unlike many environmental issues that drag on indefinitely, acid rain represents one of modern history's most successful ecological recovery stories. It's a tale of science, politics, and technology working together to tackle what seemed impossible.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What was acid rain?</strong></h2>



<p>Acid rain isn't regular rain having a bad day – it's precipitation that became significantly more acidic due to air pollution. When power plants, factories, and vehicles burn fossil fuels, they release sulfur dioxide (SO2) and nitrogen oxides (NOx) into the atmosphere.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The science behind it</strong></h2>



<p>Think of acid rain as nature's chemistry experiment gone wrong. These compounds react with water, oxygen, and other chemicals to form sulfuric and nitric acids. When mixed with water vapor in clouds, they create precipitation with dangerously low pH levels.</p>



<p>While clean rain has a pH of about 5.6, acid rain could drop as low as 4.2 to 4.4 – roughly as acidic as tomato juice or coffee. According to US Geological Survey documentation, Scottish chemist Angus Smith first coined "acid rain" in 1872, but it didn't become a household phrase until the 1960s and 1970s when Swedish scientist Svante Odén documented its devastating effects on Scandinavian lakes and European forests.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The crisis at its peak</strong></h2>



<p>During the height of public concern, environmental damage was both widespread and visible. This wasn't some abstract future threat – people could see destruction happening in real-time.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Environmental devastation</strong></h2>



<p>The most dramatic impacts were impossible to ignore. Research documented by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation and the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation shows that in the Adirondack Mountains, more than 200 lakes became so acidic they couldn't support fish life. The Adirondack Council reports that 409 lakes once supported brook trout, but many lost their fish populations due to acid rain.</p>



<p>By 1976, when scientists cataloged all acidified lakes in the Adirondack Park, researchers found that half of the lakes over 2,000 feet above sea level had no fish, according to studies published in environmental journals. The acidification process worked like a slow-motion disaster. As acid rain fell into watersheds, it gradually lowered pH levels. Fish couldn't survive in acidic water, and their food sources died off too.</p>



<p>Trees at high elevations showed stress directly linked to acid rain. It weakened them by leaching nutrients and making them susceptible to disease. Historical records show Germany's Black Forest saw nearly half its trees damaged by the mid-1980s.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Economic impact</strong></h2>



<p>Acid rain wasn't just environmental – it was expensive. Acidic precipitation corroded infrastructure, buildings, and monuments. Historic stone structures deteriorated at accelerated rates. Tourism suffered as lakes became fishless and forests declined. EPA economic analyses from the period documented repair costs mounting into billions annually.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The solution: government action and technology</strong></h2>



<p>Transformation from crisis to success required unprecedented cooperation between governments, industries, and environmental groups.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>The Clean Air Act of 1990</strong></h2>



<p>The turning point came with the Clean Air Act Amendments of 1990, signed by President George H.W. Bush. This represented a fundamentally new approach to environmental regulation, as documented in EPA historical records.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Cap-and-trade success</strong></h2>



<p>Instead of mandating specific technologies, the 1990 amendments introduced something revolutionary: a cap-and-trade system for sulfur dioxide emissions. EPA program documentation shows this market-based approach set overall limits but allowed companies to trade emission allowances.</p>



<p>The genius was harnessing market forces to find cost-effective pollution reduction. Companies reducing emissions cheaply could sell excess allowances to those facing higher costs. Research published in environmental economics journals and EPA progress reports shows this resulted in dramatic SO2 reduction at a fraction of projected costs.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Technology advances</strong></h2>



<p>Policy provided the framework, but technology made reductions possible. Studies in atmospheric science journals document the widespread adoption of flue gas desulfurization systems ("scrubbers") that removed sulfur dioxide before it reached the atmosphere. By the 2000s, new installations could remove over 95% of SO2 emissions, according to EPA technical reports.</p>



<p>The push coincided with cleaner energy development. Natural gas produces fewer sulfur compounds than coal. Wind and solar, emerging in the 1990s, captured growing market share, reducing reliance on high-sulfur coal.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-why-we-don-t-hear-about-it-today"><strong>Why we don't hear about it today</strong></h2>



<p>Why did acid rain disappear from headlines? Simple: the problem was largely solved.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Success doesn't make news</strong></h2>



<p>There's an old journalism saying: "If it bleeds, it leads." Environmental success stories don't generate urgency like crisis reporting. Media attention shifted to other challenges: climate change, plastic pollution, and biodiversity loss. There's only so much environmental anxiety the public can absorb, and newer concerns replaced acid rain.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Mission accomplished</strong></h2>



<p>The primary reason is beautifully simple: interventions worked. EPA monitoring data shows sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990. Academic research published in environmental science journals confirms pH levels in formerly affected areas returned closer to normal. This represents one of history's most dramatic environmental recoveries. Studies by the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation show fishless lakes now support healthy populations. Forests recovered, and building damage slowed dramatically.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading" id="h-is-it-really-gone"><strong>Is it really gone?</strong></h2>



<p>The crisis is largely resolved, but monitoring data shows the problem isn't completely eliminated – it's managed to acceptable levels. Some areas still experience occasional events during high pollution periods. International environmental research indicates that rapidly industrializing Asian countries face similar problems to what we experienced decades ago, though they're implementing successful strategies.</p>



<p>EPA research shows nitrogen oxide emissions proved more challenging than sulfur dioxide, coming from vehicles and mobile sources. Climate science studies suggest changing weather patterns add complexity to how acid rain forms and falls.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>What this teaches us</strong></h2>



<p>The acid rain experience proves that seemingly intractable environmental problems can be solved with scientific understanding, political will, and technological innovation. Environmental monitoring data shows recovery speed was remarkable – within a decade, measurable improvements appeared in air quality and ecosystem health.</p>



<p>Success came from bipartisan support across party lines. Policy analysis studies show the market-based approach appealed to those preferring economic incentives while achieving environmental goals. This support created lasting policy surviving political changes.</p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Conclusion</strong></h2>



<p>Acid rain's disappearance from public consciousness represents environmental science's greatest success stories. Through effective regulation, technological innovation, and international cooperation, we transformed an overwhelming crisis into a manageable challenge.</p>



<p>Today's silence isn't because we forgot – it's because we solved it. The 1990 Clean Air Act, combined with technology and energy market changes, reduced acid rain emissions over 90%, according to comprehensive EPA data analysis.</p>



<p>This success offers hope for current challenges. It proves complex problems can be solved when science, policy, and technology work together. As we face climate change and plastic pollution, acid rain reminds us that dramatic positive change is possible.</p>



<p>Next time someone asks whether environmental regulations work, remember acid rain. It's proof that sometimes, we get it right.</p>



<hr class="wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity"/>



<p><strong>Sources:</strong> <em>This article draws from EPA official documentation and progress reports, peer-reviewed research published in environmental and atmospheric science journals, historical data from the Adirondack Lakes Survey Corporation, New York State Department of Environmental Conservation records, US Geological Survey publications, policy analysis studies, and environmental monitoring data collected over three decades.</em></p>



<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Frequently Asked Questions</strong></h2>



<p><strong>1. Is acid rain completely gone?</strong> No, but EPA monitoring shows it's reduced to manageable levels. US sulfur dioxide emissions dropped over 90% since 1990, making acid rain much less severe than the 1980s crisis.</p>



<p><strong>2. How long did solving take?</strong> Environmental monitoring data shows significant improvements began within 5-10 years of 1990s emission controls. Full ecosystem recovery took longer – some areas need 20-30 years for complete recovery.</p>



<p><strong>3. What made the solution successful?</strong> Clear scientific understanding, visible damage motivating action, bipartisan support, available technology, and innovative market-based policies like cap-and-trade.</p>



<p><strong>4. Do other countries have acid rain problems?</strong> Yes, particularly rapidly industrializing Asian countries. However, international environmental research shows many implement similar successful control strategies.</p>



<p><strong>5. Could acid rain return?</strong> Potentially, if regulations weaken or we return to high-sulfur coal without controls, though effects would take years to become severe according to environmental projections.</p>



<p><strong>6. Can you recommend any teaching tools on the subject of "acid rain"?</strong> The United States Environmental Protection Agency produced a wonderful teacher's guide for ages 14 and under that you can find on the EPA website here: <a href="https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2017-03/documents/teachersguide.pdf</a></p>



<p>-----</p>



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The environmental problem we actually solved

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=prrq8Ql81zk Acid rain and a crisis solved. Why don't we...

Green,Ecoduct,Over,An,Empty,Highway,During,Sunset.

<figure class="wp-block-embed is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU
</div></figure>



<p>A new long-term study in Monkton, Vermont, reveals that wildlife tunnels significantly reduce amphibian road mortality during seasonal migrations. </p>



<p>Frogs and salamanders often cross roads to reach breeding ponds each spring, but many are killed by vehicles. </p>



<p>Researchers from the <a href="https://www.uvm.edu/" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">University of Vermont</a>, in collaboration with local citizens and the Vermont Agency of Natural Resources, installed two underpass tunnels in 2015. </p>



<p>Over a 12-year monitoring period, they observed an 80.2% reduction in amphibian deaths, and up to 94% for non-climbing species like salamanders. </p>



<p>The study used a before-after-control-impact design and documented more than 5,200 amphibians, highlighting the tunnels’ effectiveness even in nearby buffer zones.</p>



<p>Funded at $342,397 - far cheaper than wildlife crossings for large mammals - the project showcased the power of community-led conservation.</p>



<p>Local groups initiated the effort after observing mass amphibian deaths. Wildlife cameras later captured over 2,200 amphibians using a tunnel in just one spring, along with other species like raccoons and bobcats, indicating wider ecosystem benefits.</p>



<p>This marks the first peer-reviewed, long-term data set in the northeastern U.S. confirming amphibian-specific underpasses work. </p>



<p>The study urges transportation departments to incorporate these designs into road planning and highlights how community action, thoughtful infrastructure, and persistence can make a real difference for biodiversity.</p>



<p>The full study was published in the <em><a href="https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S1617138125000780" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Journal for Nature Conservation</a></em>.</p>



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<p>-----</p>

Wildlife tunnels save millions of amphibians

https://youtu.be/XYgiPzmNBTU?si=eFYY7gPHU1JznLvU A new long-term study in Monkton, Vermont, reveals that...

<p>Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing it with probiotics and prebiotics, aiming to create a treat that satisfies cravings while supporting gut health. </p>



<p>The challenge lies in maintaining chocolate's beloved texture and flavor while adding health benefits.</p>



<figure class="wp-block-embed aligncenter is-type-video is-provider-youtube wp-block-embed-youtube wp-embed-aspect-16-9 wp-has-aspect-ratio"><div class="wp-block-embed__wrapper">
https://youtu.be/Ug657J67iEo?si=w96YjGMsg939LD_3
</div></figure>



<p>Probiotics - beneficial microbes that balance gut bacteria and aid digestion - are typically fragile and can be destroyed by stomach acid or processing. </p>



<p>Prebiotics act as food for these microbes, helping them thrive. Together, they form "synbiotics," a powerful health combination.</p>



<p>Researchers Smriti Gaur and Shubhi Singh from India's Jaypee Institute of Information Technology took an innovative approach, using natural prebiotics like corn and honey instead of complex processing methods. </p>



<p>They created five chocolate varieties: a control and four synbiotic versions containing different combinations of prebiotics, probiotics (Lactobacillus strains), and flavor enhancers (cinnamon or orange).</p>



<p>Laboratory simulations of human digestion showed the probiotics remained viable for over five hours, suggesting they could survive long enough to benefit gut health.</p>



<p>Taste tests were positive, with researchers particularly enjoying the orange-flavored variety, describing it as having "vibrant citrus notes" complementing the "rich cocoa" with a "luxurious" texture.</p>



<p>This research represents just the beginning. With further refinement of strains, textures, and flavors, chocolate could evolve beyond mere indulgence to become a functional food that nourishes while it delights.</p>



<p>The study is published in the journal <a href="https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acsfoodscitech.4c00741" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">ACS Food Science &amp; Technology</a>.</p>

Is chocolate the next nutritional powerhouse?

Scientists are transforming chocolate into a functional food by infusing...

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://www.igb.illinois.edu/">Carl R. Woese Institute for Genomic Biology</a> reveals how scientists can modify common crops like soybean, rice, and wheat to protect them from heat stress.</p>



<p>“We need to double crop production by 2050 to feed a growing global population, and not only are we not on track to do that, but climate change is further complicating things,” said Amanda Cavanagh, a lecturer at the University of Essex. </p>



<p>The study is part of Realizing Increased Photosynthetic Efficiency (RIPE), an international research project that aims to develop food crops that turn the sun’s energy into food more efficiently.</p>



<p>“Using an engineering approach we designed multiple alternative metabolic pathways to photorespiration. Testing them in the field showed increases in productivity which led Amanda to significantly move the project forward by showing our engineered plants can withstand pretty extreme temperature stress,” said study co-author and RIPE researcher Paul South.&nbsp;</p>



<p>“As the climate changes and temperature stresses increase the pressure on our global food supply, farmers will need every tool available including engineering approaches like the synthetic biology used here to maintain safe and productive harvests.”</p>



<p>The experts tested plants modified to have more efficient photorespiration to see if they were better adapted to warmer temperatures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>The team found that the engineered plants produced 26 percent more biomass than the wild-type plants exposed to the same temperatures, and had 15 percent less yield loss under the higher temperatures.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: Amanda Nguyen/University of Illinois</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Designing crops that can beat the heat

[sendtonews key="QGPzYnXEtN-1712599-12187" type="single"] Today’s Video of the Day from Carl...

<div class="wp-block-sendtonews-playerselector">[sendtonews key="EjmSP20gQK-2593093-12187" type="single"]</div>



<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes the first comprehensive estimate of carbon density in the Saharan, Sahel, and Sudanian zones of Africa. In an effort to measure the amount of carbon stored across these drylands, a team of scientists used high-resolution satellite images and artificial intelligence to map nearly 10 billion individual trees. </p>



<p>"The high spatial resolution (50 cm) combined with AI and field measurements used in this study is key to improving tree inventories in drylands," said Pierre Hiernaux, a French researcher working for NASA. "The ever-increasing availability of very high-resolution satellite imagery will make it possible to assess carbon pools and their dynamics at the individual tree level on a global scale."</p>



<p>"This study is exceptional because it is pioneering a type of approach that will revolutionize the monitoring of trees and forests on a global scale: in the short term, it will be possible to map the world's trees from the centre of the Amazon to our schoolyards," said <a href="https://www.inrae.fr/en">INRAE</a> researcher Jean-Pierre Wigneron.</p>



<p>"Many fields of application will become much more efficient and accurate, such as tracking carbon stocks, biodiversity, monitoring logging and protection against illegal forest degradation, in near real time.”</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Remote sensing will revolutionize the way we monitor trees

[sendtonews key="EjmSP20gQK-2593093-12187" type="single"] Today's Video of the Day from NASA...

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<p>Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky" Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> features northwest Lesotho in South Africa.</p>



<p>According to ESA, Lesotho is the only nation in the world that lies completely above 1,000 m in elevation. The country is famous for its tall mountains and narrow valleys, and is known as Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky."</p>



<p>Out of a population of around two million people, about 80 percent live in rural areas. More than 75 percent of these people are engaged in <a href="https://www.earth.com/news/climate-change-will-have-a-global-impact-on-agriculture/">agriculture</a>, including rainfed cereal production and animal grazing.&nbsp;</p>



<p>ESA reports that the country’s agricultural system faces a growing number of issues, with climate-related vulnerabilities such as drought, floods and extreme temperatures occurring more frequently. </p>



<p>Diamonds are amongst the minerals found in the mountains. Indeed, Lesotho can truly be called the Kingdom in the Sky. Beautiful, culturally rich, safe, affordable, and easily accessible from Durban and Johannesburg, mountainous Lesotho is a vastly underrated travel destination. the Kingdom of Lesotho (Sotho: 'Muso oa Lesotho) is an enclaved country in southern Africa. It is just over 30,000 km2 (11,583 sq mi) in size and has a population of around 2 million.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;&nbsp;</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> </em>Staff Writer </p>



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Lesotho: Africa's "Kingdom in the Sky"

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> features a visual dataset of.methane emissions from wetlands across the globe. Atmospheric methane levels have reached record highs in recent years, and wetlands are a major source of these emissions.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Methane is an important greenhouse gas that contributes substantially to global warming. On a molecule by molecule basis, methane is much more efficient at trapping heat than carbon dioxide, the main driver of warming," says NASA.</p>



<p>"Though human activities, including agriculture, oil and natural gas production and use, and waste disposal, collectively contribute the majority of methane to the atmosphere, about a third of total methane emissions comes from wetlands."&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to NASA, understanding methane emissions from wetlands and other natural sources is critically important for scientists and policymakers who are working to combat climate change by reducing emissions from human activities.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard</em></p>



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<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Wetlands are a major source of methane emissions

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/">NASA Earth Observatory</a> reveals the evolution of the Columbia Glacier in southeastern Alaska. Columbia is among the fastest shrinking glaciers in the world, and the video documents its rapid retreat over the years.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Columbia Glacier is a large, multi-branched calving glacier that flows out of the Chugach Mountains to the Prince William Sound.&nbsp;</p>



<p>According to USGS, Columbia had a long history of stability prior to 1980, with a length 41 miles, and small, short-lived advances or retreats.</p>



<p>In the years since 1980, however, satellite images have captured Columbia’s alarming retreat. By using false-color images, scientists can distinguish between snow and ice, open water, vegetation, and rocky debris on the glacier’s surface.</p>



<p>The series of false-color images featured in today's video were acquired over the span of 35 years. You can see that by 2021, the glacier’s main branch had retreated about 15 miles from its initial position.</p>



<p>The Columbia Glacier has also lost more than 50 percent of its volume, mostly due to calving. <a href="https://www.earth.com/video/nasa-reveals-3d-visual-of-an-atmospheric-river/">NASA</a> reports that while climate change likely started the retreat, mechanical processes kept the disintegration going.</p>



<p>The NASA images are provided by Jesse Allen, Robert Simmon, Joshua Stevens, and Lauren Dauphin using data from Landsat satellites, from the U.S. Geological Survey, and data from MODIS on NASA’s Terra satellite. The structure of Columbia’s moraine played a large role in the stability of the glacier before 1980. </p>



<p>Like other tidewater glaciers, the Columbia built up a moraine over time, and the mixture of ice and rock functioned like a dam keeping out the sea. It was supported on one end by the shoreline and by the underwater terminal moraine at the other.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Earth Observatory/&nbsp; NASA’s Scientific Visualization Studio</em></p>



<p><em>-</em><em>--</em></p>



<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

The rapid retreat of the Columbia Glacier

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes how record-breaking heat expressed itself around the world in 2022.</p>



<p>Scientists have determined that 2022 was the 5th warmest year since 1880. Furthermore, the last nine consecutive years have been the warmest on record.</p>



<p>From devastating floods and wildfires to natural disasters like Hurricane Ian, 2022 showed us yet again how a warming climate affects people across the globe.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"As we look back at 20:22 and years past, we see that each year we better understand the challenges we face and how important it is to meet them," says NASA.</p>



<p><em>Video/ Image Credit: NASA Goddard</em></p>



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<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

2022 illustrated the consequences of a warming climate

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<p>Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard</a> describes Earth’s interconnected systems, and how this network is affected by rising temperatures.&nbsp;</p>



<p>During 2020, average global temperatures matched the hottest year on record. The hurricane season was also record-breaking, with many of the storms intensifying at extraordinary speeds. Hot water in the ocean is fuel for hurricanes. The satellite data shows that it's all one interconnected system showing how  Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected.</p>



<p>According to NASA, dust swept up from Northern Africa plays a major role in the formation of hurricanes, and is also a key source of fertilization in the Amazon rainforest. As a result of<a href="https://www.earth.com/news/seagrass-wasting-disease-is-fueled-by-climate-change/"> climate</a> change, dust plumes are expected to decline, which will have an effect on vegetation far away.&nbsp;</p>



<p>Images from Earth-observing satellites show how the world’s plant life is affected by natural disasters, fires, and deforestation. Satellites also reveal how widespread changes in vegetation impact waterways,&nbsp; the climate, air quality. Satellites communicate by using radio waves to send signals to the antennas on the Earth. "Earth From Space" is a groundbreaking two-hour special that reveals a spectacular new space-based vision of our planet. </p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;</em></p>



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<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Satellites reveal how Earth's systems are interconnected

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://welcome.miami.edu/">University of Miami</a> Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science explores how changes in water temperatures have affected tiger shark habitats and movements in the North Atlantic Ocean. The study reveals that rising temperatures have caused the sharks to shift toward the poles over the past 40 years.</p>



<p>“Tiger shark annual migrations have expanded poleward, paralleling rising water temperatures,” explained study lead author Neil Hammerschlag. “These results have consequences for tiger shark conservation, since shifts in their movements outside of marine protected areas may leave them more vulnerable to commercial fishing.”</p>



<p>The researchers analyzed nine years of tracking data from satellite-tagged tiger sharks, combined with four decades of conventional tag and recapture data provided by National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Cooperative Shark Tagging Program.</p>



<p>The experts found that during the last decade of record heat, for every one-degree Celsius increase in water temperatures, tiger sharks migrated further poleward by over 400 kilometers. They also migrated two weeks earlier than usual to waters off the northeastern coast of the United States.</p>



<p>“Given their role as apex predators, these changes to tiger shark movements may alter predator-prey interactions, leading to ecological imbalances, and more frequent encounters with humans,” concluded Professor Hammerschlag.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: University of Miami Rosenstiel School of Marine and Atmospheric Science</em></p>



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<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Tiger sharks are shifting poleward as temperatures rise

Today’s Video of the Day from the University of Miami...

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> is focused on the melt ponds that emerge during the spring and summer on the Greenland Ice Sheet, which is the largest ice mass in the northern hemisphere.</p>



<p>"Melt ponds are vast pools of open water that form on both sea ice and ice sheets and are visible as turquoise-blue pools of water in this Copernicus Sentinel-2 image," says ESA.</p>



<p>"When snow and ice melts atop glaciers, water flows in channels and streams and collects in depressions on the surface. These melt ponds can speed up the melting of the surrounding ice since they greatly reduce the ice’s ability to reflect sunlight."</p>



<p>"This can create a positive feedback where an increasing number of melt ponds absorb more heat which causes ice cover to melt even faster."</p>



<p>According to ESA, Greenland has been hit with a late-season heatwave that began in early September. This caused the type of melt event that usually occurs in the middle of summer.</p>



<p>"In a recent paper published in Nature Climate Change, scientists found that major sea-level rise from the melting of the Greenland ice cap is now ‘inevitable’ even if the burning of fossil fuels were to halt overnight," says ESA. "Using satellite observations of Greenland ice loss and ice cap from 2000 to 2019, the team found the losses will lead to a minimum rise of 27 cm regardless of climate change."</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: ESA&nbsp;</em></p>



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<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Melt ponds on the Greenland Ice Sheet

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<p>Today’s <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from the <a href="https://www.esa.int/">European Space Agency</a> describes how Earth is unique in our solar system for its ability to sustain liquid water on its surface. But now, the water cycle is shifting as the climate warms, and scientists must find ways to predict how these changes will affect water availability.</p>



<p>Overall, 96 percent of Earth's water is saltwater, and nearly all of freshwater is found in ice and groundwater. These sources of water are linked as it passes through solid, liquid and gas phases.</p>



<p>In a warmer climate, the water cycle will be transformed. It will be easier for water to evaporate and form clouds, and storms will become more frequent and intense. Some regions will get too much water, while others will be left without enough water. In addition, soil moisture will be lost - which threatens food security.</p>



<p>Scientists are using satellite data from over the last 40 years to track changes that are happening in the water cycle. This will ultimately help us prepare for extreme events and better manage our water resources, according to ESA.</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: ESA</em></p>



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<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Tracking changes in Earth's water cycle

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Saturn,-,High,Resolution,3d,Images,Presents,Planets,Of,The

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<p>Today's <strong>Video of the Day</strong> from <a href="https://www.nasa.gov/goddard">NASA Goddard Space Flight Center</a> features images of Saturn from NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope. The photographs capture the start of the mysterious "spoke season" on Saturn - when unexplained features appear on its rings. </p>



<p>According to NASA, both the cause of the spokes and their seasonal variability have yet to be fully explained by planetary scientists.</p>



<p>"Like Earth, Saturn is tilted on its axis and therefore has four seasons, though because of Saturn's much larger orbit, each season lasts approximately seven Earth years. Equinox occurs when the rings are tilted edge-on to the Sun," explains NASA.</p>



<p>"The spokes disappear when it is near summer or winter solstice on Saturn. (When the Sun appears to reach either its highest or lowest latitude in the northern or southern hemisphere of a planet.) As the autumnal equinox of Saturn's northern hemisphere on May 6, 2025, draws near, the spokes are expected to become increasingly prominent and observable."</p>



<p>Experts believe that the spokes may be a product of the planet's variable magnetic field. When magnetic fields interact with solar wind, an electrically charged environment is created. This phenomenon is visible on Earth as the northern lights.&nbsp;</p>



<p>"Scientists think that the smallest, dust-sized icy ring particles can become charged as well, which temporarily levitates those particles above the rest of the larger icy particles and boulders in the rings," says NASA.</p>



<p>The spokes were first observed in the early 1980s by NASA's Voyager mission. Depending on the angle of the rings, the spokes can appear dark or light.</p>



<p>"Thanks to Hubble's OPAL program, which is building an archive of data on the outer solar system planets, we will have longer dedicated time to study Saturn’s spokes this season than ever before," said NASA senior planetary scientist Amy Simon, head of the Hubble Outer Planet Atmospheres Legacy (OPAL) program.</p>



<p>"Despite years of excellent observations by the Cassini mission, the precise beginning and duration of the spoke season is still unpredictable, rather like predicting the first storm during hurricane season."</p>



<p><em>Video Credit: NASA Goddard&nbsp;</em></p>



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<p><em>By </em><a href="mailto:csexton@earth.com"><em>Chrissy Sexton</em></a><em>, </em><a href="https://www.earth.com/staff/"><em>Earth.com</em></a><em> Editor</em></p>



<p>Check us out on <a href="https://www.earth.com/earthsnap/">EarthSnap</a>, a free app brought to you by Eric Ralls and Earth.com.</p>

Mysterious "spoke season" captured on Saturn

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